A fire believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue swept through a residential area in Basildon, Essex, on June 23, 2026, destroying several homes and leaving families homeless, according to the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire crews were called to the scene on Whitmore Way around 3:30 PM and found multiple properties engulfed in flames. The fire spread rapidly due to dry conditions and wind, damaging at least four homes. No injuries were reported, but residents described losing everything.
Essex Fire Service confirmed that the blaze is believed to have originated from a disposable barbecue that was not properly extinguished. They urged the public to follow safety guidelines, including never leaving barbecues unattended and ensuring they are fully cooled before disposal.
Local authorities have set up emergency accommodation for the affected families. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but early evidence points to the barbecue as the source.
