AN outdoor plug socket exploded into flames resulting in a garden inferno before quick-thinking firefighters extinguished the blaze within 20 minutes.

Two crews from Colchester Fire Station were called to a property in Redwood Close, in Colchester, at about 5.15pm on Thursday following reports of a fire.

After locating the fire in the garden, the fast-acting firefighters leapt into action and after making the area safe managed to put out the blaze by 5.36pm.

Following an investigation into the inferno, the crews concluded the fire was most likely caused as a result of an external plug socket being affected by water.

READ MORE: Stanway bedroom goes up in flames after candle sets fire to pillow

Andy Edwards, crew manager at Colchester Fire Station, in Cowdray Avenue, has now issued safety advice regarding plug sockets which are exposed to the elements.

He said: “If you’re going to be using outdoor plug sockets, make sure you don’t overload the plug sockets with more power than they can take.

“Make sure the socket housing is closed properly to prevent water affecting the sockets and make sure all electrical items outside are suitable for outdoor use.”

The fire occurred just days before a bedroom in Stanway up in flames after an unattended candle set light to a pillow.

For more information on prevent electrical fires visit essex-fire.gov.uk.