STORAGE containers went up in flames after a pile of logs accidentally caught fire before four crews managed to contain the blaze. 

Firefighters from Grays, Orsett, Basildon and Corringham rushed to Orsett Road, in Thurrock, just before 3.10pm on Saturday. 

On arrival, the crews confirmed a large pile of logs contained within a storage shed had caught alight before spreading to two surrounding ISO storage containers. 

By 4.48pm crews had finally managed to extinguish the fire and investigation into the cause of the inferno has since concluded the fire started accidentally. 

Mark Blakebrough, watch manager at Basildon Fire Station, has now praised the firefighters who responded to the emergency call. 

He said: “I’d like to thank the crews for working quickly and efficiently this afternoon.  

“They managed to prevent the fire from spreading further, and the damage was contained to the affected storage units.” 

A spokesman for the Essex Fire Service has now issued residents with safety advice which they say will reduce the chances of a fire starting in a garden. 

They said: “Make sure bonfires are at least 18 metres away from houses, trees, hedges, fences, and sheds and only burn dry materials. 

“Never put aerosols, batteries, tins of paint or tyres on a fire and keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby - do not leave the fire unattended.”