Three families are picking up the pieces after a bonfire caused thousands of pounds of damage.
Their ordeal has led fire officers to issue a warning about the dangers of lighting bonfires close to fences or houses.
Disaster struck after the fire in the back garden of a house in Stagden Cross, Basildon, went out of control, spread to the shed and surrounding fences before flames leaped on to the three homes.
Windows were also shattered as a result of the intense heat on Sunday evening.
Perry Floyd, 19, of Stagden Cross, who lives next door to the family who had the bonfire, said he saw the flames jumping over his house.
Basildon Community Housing Association will be assessing the damage and Mr Floyd is keeping his fingers crossed he won't have to wait too long for repairs.
Following the accident Lee Palfreyman, leading firefighter at Basildon, warned people to take care when building a bonfire and make sure it is not too close to any fences or the house.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident.
Published Tuesday August 3, 2004
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