ESSEX Fire Service has urged car owners to park responsibly after emergency crews were delayed by vehicles blocking the road.

Firefighters had been on their way to an incident in Courtney Road, Chadwell St Mary, 3.30am yesterday morning when they were delayed.

They had been called to reports of bushes on fire but eventually arrived to find it spread much further.

The fire was said to have spread to three nearby garden sheds, fence panels, rubbish and a tree.

It was extinguished by 4.19am but the garden when the blaze originally started was completely destroyed.

A car parked nearby had also been damaged due to the heat from the fire.

Watch Manager at Orsett Fire Station, Glen Jackson, said: “I’d like to thank the crews for working quickly and efficiently this morning.

“Unfortunately, both of our engines were delayed in arriving at the scene as a result of poorly parked vehicles which blocked our access.

“Owners of both vehicles were located and the vehicles were moved fairly quickly, but this isn’t always the case.

“When parking your cars and vans at night, please consider whether emergency vehicles will be able to pass through. Quick access is paramount for all emergency services.”