Two people were treated by medics after firefighters tackled a house blaze.

The A26 Tonbridge Road in Barming, near Maidstone, was closed last night (July 18) while crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

Six fire engines were called to the scene, between Glebe Lane and Beverley Road, shortly after 5pm.

An eyewitness told KentOnline they saw “orange flames” at about 6.20pm.

“The fire brigade seems to now have the upper hand on fire,” he added. “Although expect there to be much-continued fire brigade activities on-site for some hours.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service advised people living near the area to keep windows and doors closed to the smoke from the blaze.

As of 1.50am (July 19), this advice was lifted, although six fire crews were still on the scene battling the flames.

As of 7am, only one fire engine remained and Tonbridge Road was reopened.

In an update, a spokesperson for the fire service added: “Crews have made good progress to extinguish a house fire and are dampening down remaining hotspots.”

Firefighting operations were complete by 2.20pm.

Two people were treated for smoke inhalation, and the cause of the blaze is not yet known. Everyone is reportedly safe.

A family of four adults live at the property, but the parents were away on holiday when the fire broke out. They flew home in the early hours of this morning (July 19).

The mum said: “Orla and Oscar just want to thank all neighbours and friends that helped them whilst we were trying to get home.”

Friends and family are now rallying round to help, sorting accommodation and clothes.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause.

Buses were also being diverted last night. Arriva posted on X, formerly Twitter, to say: “Due to this we will currently be unable to serve Teston and Wateringbury as we are having to divert around this closure.

“We can only apologise for this disruption.”