A SURGE in the number of call-outs to garden fires has prompted Essex Fire and Rescue to issue a warning and plea to householders.

The service has revealed its firefighters were called out to 55 garden fires last month.

This was nearly a 100 per cent increase on March last year which saw then attend 28 garden fires.

The majority of incidents have occurred after bonfires burned out of control but officers say

fires have also been started by hot ashes or discarded cigarettes which have not been extinguished correctly.

Head of community safety Andrea MacAlister said: ""With people spending more time at home and in their garden, and with recycling centres closed, it's no surprise to see an increase in people having garden fires.

"But not only can a garden fire be unpredictable and destroy your outdoor space, it can quickly spread to your house and even neighbouring properties.

"We strongly advise people to avoid them if they can – we know some districts have banned bonfires, and we'd ask people to check with their local council to see if that's the case in their area."