By Ashley Young-
A bonfire that was out of control spread through a garden and set fire to sheds in two homes in East London.
Fire crews responded to the fire at Elmbridge Road, Ilford, just after 7pm on Wednesday. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, and two residents were treated for minor smoke inhalation medics at the scene. The residents of the homes fled their homes until the fire was brought under control. The incident alarmed many neigbouring residents, including neighbours who feared a disaster of a smaller scale than Geenfield was at their doorstep.
The blaze caused severe damage to a timber shed in the garden of one house and a metal shed in the rear of another. Fencing from a number of homes were damaged in the fire , and the blaze caused damage to a timber shed in the garden. Two propane cylinders found near the fire were removed to prevent a potential explosion. It took four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officials from fire brigades in Woodford, Hainault, and Ilford to control the fire about an hour later..
Bonfires are considered to be socially relaxing by many youths, but when an error involving fire occurs, it can be quite serious. This was no tower block, so the thereat to life was not as bad as Greenfell, but it there was still potential danger there . The east London bonfire had been attended by more than 20 guests but ruined by mistaken judgment of someone who lit the fire. Ilford is a very diverse town with different circles of individuals who get excited when the sun comes out. The area has its share of businessmen, gangsters, and party goers.
Fun and trouble exists at both ends of the spectrum. Barbeques and bonfires are a regular occurrence in the summer. One anonymous guest at the bonfire get together told the eye of media.com ” people were just jamming and having a good time, the next thing everyone saw was t this massive flame of fire. Nobody wanted to mess with the fire, but it was to thick to be quenched by water at first. Everyone had to live the Fire Brigades to deal with it, and they did a good job”.
Bonfires should only ever be conducted by thorough and experienced people who know what they are doing. Guests at a bonfire would more likely be able to escape the physical consequences of a fire than those in a tower block. But the effect of a bonfire gone wrong could also have potentially scarred a few people present at the bonfire. The effects of a fire are not always predictable, when they spread from one shed to another, there is every possibility of it causing more harvoc that expected. One witness, Shane Moley, told the eye of media.com: ”the fire looked like it would spread bad. There was thick smoke in the air and it looked like it was being controlled by a wind t the same tie. The way it should swept through the other garden shed was frightening. People would have immediately thought about the Greenfield fire and got out as quickly as possible”.
People holding bonfires or barbeques must e extra careful in making sure the occasion goes according to plan and not develop into any type of disaster. Officials from the London Fire Brigade are warning people to be very careful about where they hold fire related events. The break out or spread of fire in residential areas is not a new thing, but almost each time, it could have been avoided if due care had been taken. Most fires get put under control before serious harm r damage is caused, but it is not possible to know which incidences will end harmlessly when a fire emergency situation occurs.
An LFB spokesman said: “If you are having a bonfire never leave it unattended and consider your neighbours when you do decide to have a fire in your garden.
“Make sure yOU build it well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges and never use flammable liquids to start it or burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans.
“You should also always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire.”