Burnham Bonfire Blaze Spreads Wild, Firefighters Race to Rescue
Firefighters in Burnham sprang into action after an unattended bonfire leapt into a nearby field and hedgerow. The quick-moving flames sparked fresh fire safety warnings as crews battled to stop the blaze from wreaking havoc.
Burnham & Corringham Fire Crews Tackle Growing Blaze
Teams from Burnham and Corringham rolled out with a water bowser and off-road vehicle to douse the flames. Their swift response prevented the fire from causing further damage to surrounding greenery. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Essex Fire Chiefs Issue Stark Safety Warning
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) blasted out vital bonfire safety tips following the incident:
- Keep bonfires at least 18 metres (60 feet) from homes, fences, sheds, trees, and hedges.
- Always have a water supply handy—such as a bucket or garden hose—to tackle flare-ups.
- Never leave a bonfire unattended and make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving.
“Unattended fires can spread quickly, especially in dry, grassy areas. We’re urging everyone to stay alert and take precautions to avoid preventable emergencies,” said an ECFRS spokesperson.
Could You Be Burnham’s Next On-Call Hero?
The heroes who doused this blaze are on-call firefighters—local residents or workers ready to answer the call when fire strikes.
If you live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station, you could get paid to protect your community.
Search ‘Join Essex Fire’ online to discover how to sign up and save lives.
