Barbecue in bin blamed for beach huts fire

Two beach huts were destroyed after a hot barbecue was apparently put in a nearby bin.

Essex County Fire Service was called to the promenade at Frinton-on-Sea at 21:00 BST on Friday.

Two beach huts were destroyed by fire and two others were damage by the flames on a section of the seafront near the bottom of Second Avenue and the golf club.

Crews said they worked to prevent it spreading to more beach huts and the fire was dealt with by 22:00.

Crew manager Andy Deex, from Clacton Fire Station, said: "We believe this fire was caused by a hot barbecue in a nearby bin and embers had spread to the beach huts.

"If you're using disposable barbecues, please make sure the barbecue and any embers are fully cooled before you put it in a bin.

"If you're unsure, cool the barbecue with water before binning it as it only takes a small ember to start a fire like this."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.