SIX families were evacuated from their homes after a power surge caused six separate blazes.

More than 40 firefighters were called to the High Knocke Estate in Dymchurch just before 4.30pm on Monday.

Gas and electricity supplies were cut off and residents were asked to evacuate their properties.

Ashford station manager Lee Rose was in charge of the incident. He said: "It looks like a power line had come down and caused a surge.

"Fuse boxes caught light and a TV in one house and Sky box in another. This is very rare indeed."

Bob Halls, 54, was at home with his wife when the fire started.

He said: "I saw smoke and it was coming from the gas meter so I called the fire brigade and we got out. The downstairs bedroom is completely destroyed but the rest is just smoke damage.

"I had just spent two years renoveting the house and now this. My son will be very upset because a lot of his things are ruined - including his Roland Rat toy."