Discarded Cigarettes Spark Fires at Essex Pubs, Prompting Warnings

A fire at the Rose and Crown pub in Wivenhoe, Essex, was ignited by a discarded cigarette that smouldered for hours before catching nearby materials on fire. Firefighters were alerted just after 1:15 AM by a neighbor who noticed flames in the outdoor area. Fortunately, crews managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the main building, although fencing and an outbuilding were damaged. This incident marks the second fire caused by discarded cigarettes within two days, highlighting the need for smokers to ensure their cigarettes are fully extinguished. Watch Manager Darren Holliday urged the public to be vigilant, especially given the current warm weather and wildfire warnings. The previous evening, the same fire crew responded to a shed fire, also attributed to a discarded cigarette.