Bonfire Fires Spread to Gardens in Essex, Shropshire Amid High Fire Risk

Fire services in Shropshire and Essex have issued urgent warnings against lighting bonfires during the current hot, dry, and windy weather, following incidents where fires spread uncontrollably. In Shropshire, a bonfire in the Quatford area spread to nearby trees and undergrowth, prompting firefighters to use a hosereel jet to extinguish it, with officials emphasizing the exceptional risk of wildfires due to dry conditions and increased public and agricultural activities. Similarly, in Essex, a bonfire in Wormingford spread through dry conifers, hedgerows, and into three gardens, leading fire crews to advise against burning bonfires in such weather as embers can easily be carried by wind and ignite surrounding areas. Station Manager Nick Singleton urged the public to site bonfires well away from buildings, vegetation, and overhead cables, build stable stacks, avoid using flammable liquids, never leave fires unattended, and supervise children closely. Both fire services highlight that even controlled burns can quickly become hazardous under these extreme weather conditions and strongly recommend refraining from bonfires to prevent wildfire outbreaks. These warnings come amid very high Fire Severity Index levels and forecasted exceptional risks in affected regions.