YOUNGSTERS playing with fire were chased away after flames came dangerously close to vulnerable greenery.

Fears were heightened as infernos broke out across Essex on Monday as soaring temperatures proved too hot to handle for various sites, including Colchester’s Middlewick Ranges.

Highwoods resident Gemma, whose surname has been withheld, told the Gazette she spotted a group of youths throwing around an item which appeared to be on fire at about 9pm on Monday.

Gemma, who lives near the park in Northfield Gardens where the incident took place, said the group scarpered after she approached them with her husband while walking their dog.

Close call - flames at the scene

She said: “I called out to them and told them to put it out as it was dangerous and they could cause a fire.

“They didn't say anything back, some of them fled towards the woods while some went in another direction.

“Once we reached the entrance of the woods we saw them all running and then we noticed the fire which they had just started.

“There was a lighter on the ground next to the fire which wasn't big but could have spread easily as it was in the middle of all the dried leaves on the floor.

Trouble - one of the youngsters flees the scene in Northfield Gardens

“We put it out with our feet so luckily it didn’t spread. I don’t get why some teenagers find this funny.”

A party cannon, flaming cake fountain, and the remnants of a sparkler were left at the scene, as well as confetti strewn across the pathway and field.

Highwoods councillor Gerard Oxford urged those responsible to “please think” about their actions and what the consequences could be.

“Sadly lots of people don’t have any common sense,” said the veteran councillor.

Mess - confetti left strewn at the park

“Lighting fires at any time is dangerous but even more so in the current temperatures.

“Please be careful, we must remember the fire brigade has to put themselves in danger to put these fires out. It’s not funny.”

On Monday, blazes were also seen at a recycling centre in Braintree when 600 tonnes of clothing caught alight, while fire crews tackled the fire at Middlewick in the evening.

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