Bonfire warning issued as outhouse catches fire

A small bonfire spread to a log pile and damaged an outbuilding

People are being warned to take extra care when lighting bonfires in dry and windy conditions.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to Hertford Drive in Fobbing, near Basildon, on Tuesday, after a bonfire spread to an outbuilding at about 16:50 BST.

Station manager Steve Kirkham said: "A small bonfire spread to a log pile consisting of around six tonnes of wood, and an outbuilding.

"Crews brought the fire under control, stopped it spreading and extinguished it in just over an hour, and remained at the scene into the evening to dampen down."

Crews from Corringham, Grays, Basildon and Canvey attended the incident

The incident served as a reminder to take extra care when having a bonfire, particularly in dry and windy conditions, Mr Kirkham said.

He added people should ensure bonfires were set "well away" from anything that could catch alight.