THREE crews of firefighters were required to tackle a garden fire that got out of hand in Aveley.

The incident happened yesterday afternoon (31 May), at one point throwing up a large plume of dark smoke over the area.

Crews were called to Firefighters were called to a row of gardens in Hall Avenue when a garden fire spread to neighbouring properties.

Firefighters worked hard to quickly bring the fire under control and extinguished it by 6.35pm.

Because of the layout of the properties, the quick spread of the fire left seven gardens and five sheds fire damaged, including a summer house which was completely destroyed.

The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental, but an exact cause was unable to be established.

In the wake of the fire, which also enveloped a large conifer, Essex Fire and Rescue have issued the following fire safety advice to stay safe outdoors:

Bonfires

Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs

Never leave the bonfire burning unattended

Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side

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

Barbeques

Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbeques. Never use a barbeque indoors

Never leave a barbeque unattended

Make sure your barbeque is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste

Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area

After cooking, make sure the barbeque is cool before moving it

Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire

Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost

Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder

After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbeque control. This will stop any gas from leaking

For more information and advice on outdoor fire safety click here.