The boss of a pallet yard engulfed by flames says the firm is already back on its feet three days later.

Damon Ralph was left with a £20,000 clean-up bill after the blaze ripped through stock at his site in Bysing Wood Road on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 pallets, a chipping machine and two vans were destroyed in the fire, but Mr Ralph – who has run Pallet Recovery and Son for 21 years – says “it’s business as usual”.

He said: “Luckily I managed to move a lot of our stock out of the way before fire crews arrived so it was contained to one area.

“I’ve still got two lorries, so we’re able to offer the same service as always to our loyal customers.

“We want to let them know it’s business as usual and would like to thank them for all their support during this hard time.

"We're a family-run firm and I'd also like to thank my wife and three kids, whose support has been invaluable."

Crews used breathing apparatus, one main jet and two hose reel jets to control the flames.

Firefighters also used compressed air foam to tackle the flames.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen rising from the woods near Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park after the fire started at about 5pm.

The cause of the blaze is still being investigated.

Mr Ralph saw children playing the outside the site and believes they may have had something to do with it.

Watch: The fire at the pallet firm. Shot by Emily Martin

Crews used breathing apparatus as they fought the flames, and a thermal imaging camera was used to identify hotspots.

Mr Ralph added: “If anyone witnessed anything, I really would like them to come forward so we can try to piece together how this happened.

“Luckily the fire didn’t get into the structure of our main building.”

Pallet Recovery and Son provides pallets to businesses across Kent and the south east, but also recycles the pallets for reuse at its Faversham workshop.

To find out more about the firm, visit www.palletrecoveryandson.co.uk, email sales@palletrecoveryandson.co.uk or call 01795 533221.