RESIDENTS in West Thurrock have expressed growing concern about their safety after firefighters tackled a second blaze close to their homes today (Tuesday, 9 August).

Today's fire on Charlotte Place was tackled by local fire crews and was in close proximity to homes – though little damage was caused this time.

Firefighters from Grays attended a fire in the same area on Saturday, 23 July which did cause damage to fences and gardens and they issued a warning then about the dangers of people discarding cigarettes.

In July Grays Fire Station watch commander Dave Hogan said: "This was a fire like so many we've been seeing recently, with the dry conditions meaning even the smallest grass or wildfire can spread and become very dangerous.

"In the end, while the fences and some decking were damaged, our firefighters have done a brilliant job to stop it damaging the nearby properties. I have no doubt that this fire would easily have reached the homes without their quick actions and hard work to get it under control."

The previous fire was perilously close to local homes.

In the wake of the incident,  Essex Fire and Rescue Service paid particular attention to the danger of discarded cigarettes, saying: "Cigarettes dropped on dry grass that have not been properly extinguished or cigarettes thrown from car windows can start a fire. Many roads are banked by or near to grassland, and these can be easily set on fire by a cigarette in dry weather."

Residents believe today's blaze was started by a discarded cigarette.

However, they are also very concerned about the lack of maintenance of the public area by Thurrock council, which they believe is adding to the threat.

One resident spoke to Thurrock Nub News and said: "As a resident in Charlotte place, living next door to the cemetery with two children, it is really worrying.

"This is now becoming a major health and safety issue, it has already affected people's homes, my daughter still has nightmares from the first

"After that fire crews said that the council need to cutback and maintain the tree lines, especially those by the houses. Nothing has been done.

"There are gardeners within the cemetery grounds regularly to maintain the grass, can maintenance of the trees or soaking the grounds not be included within their tasks? We have already seen all too clearly on the news, particularly the horrific incident at Wennington, what the consequences can be with fires on dry ground near homes."