Camping BBQ causes field fire
EFRSA fire service has issued a warning after it attended a field fire caused by a barbecue.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service was called to Chelmsford Road, Ongar, where people were camping on Saturday at 18:35 BST.
Group manager Howard Midwood said: "I want to praise crews whose swift actions stopped the fire from spreading to tents, gas cylinders, vehicles and solar panels.
"The incident was caused by a camping barbecue setting fire to recently cut grassland."
Crews extinguished the fire and left the scene just before 20:00.
With temperatures set to soar again this week, Midwood added: "Remember – fire spreads quickly in dry and windy conditions so it is important to enjoy the outdoors safety."
The service has also offered the following safety advice to people using disposable barbecues:
- Always place barbecues on a non-flammable and even surface
- Make sure it is well way from houses, sheds and fences or anything else that could catch fire
- Follow the safety instructions
- Make sure it has cooled before you put it in the bin; consider pouring water on it
Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
