Firefighters in Medway are urging people to consider their neighbours when starting a bonfire.

Crews were called out three times on Monday night by residents in Chatham, Gillingham and Walderslade who dialled 999 thinking homes were going up in smoke.

But when firefighters arrived they soon discovered the smoke was coming from bonfires.

Paul Nash, Medway fire station’s blue watch manager, said:“People need to think about their neighbours and those in the surrounding area when starting a bonfire.

"People may be sitting in their gardens enjoying the warm weather, have windows open or have washing on the line.

“Bonfires are meant to be started when dusk falls.

“When we receive a call that it’s a possible house fire two appliances are sent.

"If it turns out to be just a bonfire it means both our appliances are away from the station and unable to deal with other genuine emergency incidents.”