Forty people were forced to leave their homes in Chelmsford last night after an “apocalyptic” fire tore through gardens in Greenwood Close. Seven crews were called to tackle the blaze which started in a back garden and spread to a nearby group of conifers. About 15 gardens were destroyed and seven people needed first aid. Garden debris in Greenwood Close Credit: Essex Fire and Rescue Service Colin Shead, who was in the area at the time, said: “It was like an apocalyptic war film. “Ash was falling from the sky like snow and covering the roads and cars. I’ve never seen anything like it.” “The fire service was brilliant – massive thanks to them. They prevented a massive disaster.” Ash fell from the sky like snow, according to a witness Credit: Colin Shead By 11pm last night, the fire was out and an investigation is now underway to establish the cause of the fire. The gardens were completely destroyed Credit: Essex Fire and Rescue Service Essex Fire and Rescue Service manager Neil Fenwick said it was important people avoided barbecues or garden fires while the ground was so dry. He said: “While the summer weather usually provides the perfect opportunity to host a barbecue or gather around a cement in the evening, we strongly discourage people from having fires of any kind at this time. “The ground across Essex is extremely dry, allowing fires to spread easily and quickly. This applies to gardens as well as fields and heaths.” Please help us help you. Please do not have barbecues or bonfires, use fireworks or set off lanterns. Doing so could cause a large-scale fire like the one we saw this afternoon.”