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
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