NEIGHBOURS watched on in horror when a fire broke out just next to their back garden in Rayleigh.
Fire crews arrived quickly and rushed to the scene at The Chase, where they discovered a shed had caught fire and quickly spread to nearby trees.
The fire service later revealed that this was caused by a bonfire which had spread out of control.
Jude Bennett and his family of Gilbert Close alerted the fire service.
The 21-year-old, said: "It was really scary as I'd never seen flames that high and so close before. The tree went up so fast that I was worried it would spread across to our garden
"My sister, Maddy who first saw the fire and told us all, said that she thought it was just a bonfire first and then didn't take any notice but then looked back and saw it was now way bigger and felt very scared."
Jude praised the fire service for their quick response.
He, added: "The fire department were fantastic, we phoned them and they arrived in under five minutes."
Other residents also saw huge flames billowing across Rayleigh.
The fire control room received 30 calls about the incident.
A spokesman for Essex Fire Service, said: "Fire Control received almost 30 calls reporting a fire in Rayleigh this afternoon (Wednesday 15 July).
"When firefighters arrived at the incident, they reported that it was a shed on fire. The shed measured approximately 6m x 8m.
"Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 6pm. They then made sure the affected area was completely cooled before leaving."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel