On New Year’s Eve, a stray firework reportedly ignited bushes on Leeward Road in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, just 12 minutes after midnight. This incident triggered a fierce blaze that destroyed a shed and a garage.
Firefighters from Basildon, Wickford, and Rayleigh Weir were dispatched to the scene after receiving the alarm at 12:12 am. Upon arrival, crews found flames engulfing two outbuildings—a 5×5 metre shed and a larger 5×10 metre garage.
The fire crews worked diligently to battle the flames and had the fire under control by 1:29 am. They remained on site until 3:10 am to extinguish all hotspots and prevent any flare-ups.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service experienced a busy night, handling over 50 emergency calls between 11 pm and 2 am. This fire adds to growing concerns about the dangers posed by noisy fireworks in residential neighbourhoods.
Authorities believe the runaway firework was the cause of the blaze, underscoring the risks when fireworks are not used responsibly. Fire safety experts are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and adhere to strict safety guidelines, particularly in densely populated areas.
Local officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, but the clear message remains: stay safe, be vigilant, and think carefully before lighting fireworks in residential locations.
Originally published by UKNIP.
