Yesterday’s massive blaze on the Holborough Lakes estate in Snodland was not the first, it has emerged.

Residents from nine flats had to be evacuated from a block in Poynder Drive, which adjoins Manley Boulevard, the scene of yesterday’s disaster, back in November, 2008.

At the time a stray firework was blamed for the blaze that started in waste bins just after midnight.

Like yesterday’s blaze, witnesses said the flames quickly spread to the upper floors of the wooden-clad buildings and through the roof.

The flats were in the first phase of the development by housebuilder Berkeley Homes.

It was a smaller incident than yesterday’s fire - which affected 22 apartments. One apartment was burnt out, two others were damaged by smoke and water.

There were no casualties.