Upon arrival to the Rose & Crown in Wivenhoe, crews reported an outbuilding an fencing were alight.
The fire service contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to the main building and fully extinguishing it before cutting away sections of fencing to ensure the area was completely cooled and safe.
Slow smoulder
Colchester Fire Station watch manager Darren Holliday said: “After reviewing the scene and watching the CCTV footage, we found a cigarette had been discarded in the outdoor area about four hours earlier.
“It had slowly smouldered before igniting nearby materials, eventually causing a much larger fire.
“With the warm weather and current wildfire warnings, it’s more important than ever to double check your cigarette is fully stubbed out and safely thrown away.”
Serious fire
This came after a similar fire the previous night at a property in Stanway, Colchester where the same crew responded to a shed fire.
Holliday added: “These incidents show how easily a small action can lead to a serious fire.
“We’re asking everyone - whether you’re at home, out in your garden or enjoying a night out - to take a moment and make certain cigarettes are completely out before you walk a way. It really could prevent a fire.”
