Shocking pictures of the damage caused by a bonfire have been released by firefighters after several families were left homeless.

East Anglian Daily Times: As well as the homes, a car was burned out and overhead cables had to be made safe while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUEAs well as the homes, a car was burned out and overhead cables had to be made safe while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE (Image: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE)

Firefighters were called to reports of the fire in Norman Way, St Osyth, about 12.10pm on July 17.

On arrival four fire crews from Colchester, Weeley, Brightlingsea and Clacton found several single-storey homes alight, caused by a bonfire that grew out of control after being left unattended.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the blaze for miles along the Essex coast.

One chalet has been destroyed, while another has suffered damage to its roof and a third has been affected externally.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire crews from Brightlingsea, Clacton, Colchester and Weeley were at the scene of the fire which has left several families homeless Picture: ADAM ROXBYFire crews from Brightlingsea, Clacton, Colchester and Weeley were at the scene of the fire which has left several families homeless Picture: ADAM ROXBY (Image: Archant)

A car has also been gutted by the fire.

Station manager Steve Wintrip said: "Firefighters have done a fantastic job here of preventing this fire, which was spreading rapidly when they arrived, from reaching any further chalets.

"As well as it being a very warm day, crews were working against the wind from the coast in a challenging situation - this could easily have affected many more people and their property.

"This once again shows how dangerous it can be to leave bonfires unattended or positioned near to anything which may lead to it spreading.

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire destroyed one chalet in Norman Way completely and damaged two others Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUEThe fire destroyed one chalet in Norman Way completely and damaged two others Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE (Image: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE)

"If you are planning on starting one, please position it well away from any buildings, sheds or fences - and keep a close eye on it until it is fully extinguished."

East Anglian Daily Times: While there are no reported injuries as a result of the fire, two dogs had to be rescued while firefighters worked to make the scene safe Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUEWhile there are no reported injuries as a result of the fire, two dogs had to be rescued while firefighters worked to make the scene safe Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE (Image: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE)

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire has left several people from St Osyth homeless Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUEThe fire has left several people from St Osyth homeless Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE (Image: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE)