AN EXPLOSION was averted by firefighters early this morning when a fire broke out in a steel container next to a dozen propane cylinders on a farm in Rochester.

Flames and plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around as firefighters battled for more than three hours to bring the fire under control.

At one point the emergency services, called to the scene at about 6am, had to consider closing the nearby M2 as motorists were driving into dense black smoke. The emergency services also had to discuss whether or not to stop the 180 mph Eurostar from going through the Medway Valley.

Many of the propane cylinders next to the fire had released gasses when the tops of the cylinders melted.

Firefighters from Stood and Medway think the fire was started deliberately.