A man from Essex has been left homeless after embers from a bonfire caused his house to burn to the ground.
Five fire crews were called to the blaze in Boreham at around 2pm on Sunday after reports that buildings on The Chase were alight.
It took firefighters more than seven hours to extinguish the fire, which completely destroyed the occupant's semi-detached house, shed and outbuildings, reports EssexLive.
The incident – which is believed to have started when embers from a bonfire were blown in the wind – has left the man and his dog without a home.
The neighbouring house was saved, but smoke damage means residents will not be able to stay there for several days.
Incident Commander Scott Meekings said: "Firefighters have worked really hard to prevent this fire from spreading to and destroying the house next door.
"If you’re going to have a bonfire, please set it well away from sheds, fences, trees and bushes etc as the wind can carry the embers.
"Never leave bonfires unattended and make sure the embers have completely cooled before you leave the bonfire."
