FIREFIGHTERS are giving bonfire safety advice after a bonfire placed too close to a shed caught two sheds and fence panels alight in Harlow this evening (Friday).

The location was Parsonage Leys, near to Arkwrights in Harlow

Two crews from Harlow were assisted by colleagues from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

On arrival, crews reported that a sheds was on fire and the fire had spread to fence panels and a neighbouring shed.

Crews worked together to extinguish the fire by 8:03pm.

Crew Manager Roach from from Harlow Fire Station said: “We’ve seen a few incidents this week where bonfires have been set up too close to combustible materials. We’d advise you set bonfires up well away from anything they catch alight.

“Please make sure you stay keeping an eye on the bonfire at all times and wait for the embers to be fully cool before you leave it. You can use water to help cool the embers faster.”

If you’re planning to have a bonfire:

• Make sure you 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