Barbecue sparks grass fire in Ongar
Safety advice issued as fire crews contain blaze
Fire crews have provided safety tips after a barbecue ignited grassland over the weekend.
The fire broke out in a field along Chelmsford Road at 6.35pm on Saturday (4 July), prompting a response rom a crew in Ongar, two crews from Chelmsford, and Billericay's off-road vehicle.
Group Manager Howard Midwood praised the firefighters, saying, "I want to praise crews whose swift actions stopped the fire from spreading to tents, gas cylinders, vehicles and solar panels."
The blaze originated from a camping barbecue that set fire to dry, recently cut grassland.
Midwood emphasized the importance of outdoor safety, particularly in dry and windy conditions, stating that "fire spreads quickly."
Firefighters left the scene at 7.53pm, after ensuring the area was safe.
For those using disposable barbecues, it is crucial to:
Place barbecues on a non-flammable and even surface
Keep them well away from houses, sheds, fences, or other flammable objects
Follow safety instructions carefully
Ensure the barbecue is cooled thoroughly before disposal, with water being a recommended method