Strong winds caused a bonfire to rage out of control and spread to a garden shed in Southend.

Firefighters were called to tackle the blaze in Bournemouth Park Road on Monday evening when gusts off up to 50mph hit Essex. 

A passer-by had contacted the fire service after seeing the bonfire grow and be blown across the garden by the wind. 

The homeowner had attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose but was unable to prevent it spreading to a shed and fencing. 

The fire was put out by 9.10pm and experts say both the shed and fence were scorched. 

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Watch Manager Dan Hart said: "The bonfire was too large to safely control and the windy conditions meant it spread even more quickly.

"The occupant tried to douse it with a small garden hose but it was insufficient.

"The fire could have caused much more damage so it is important you know your limits if you start a bonfire."

Essex Fire Service has issued the following safety advice for people planning on having a bonfire:

  • Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
  • Build a small and stable stack that you can control and will not collapse
  • Avoid lighting the bonfire if it is windy because sparks and smoke could blow out of control
  • Don't leave the bonfire burning unattended
  • Never use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire
  • Don't burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles
  • Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who must be supervised at all times
  • Pour water on the embers before leaving it