Firefighters were called to an out of control bonfire at a property in Chatham.

Residents were woken by the sound of fire engines shortly after 1am as crews descended on a property in Cromwell Terrace.

A neighbour who lives opposite told Kent Online "there was smell of smoke and fire" as panicked residents came out into the streets to inquire.

Cecil Pratt said: "We saw the fire and the smoke and then we heard all these sirens.

"We looked out the window and we witnessed everyone outside.

"I went out to see and spoke to the neighbour and some of the fire men who were explaining what was going on."

He was told by the neighbour she had started a small bonfire in the garden which had quickly grown out of control.

The 38-year-old added: "She said she tried to put the fire out with a hose pipe but to no avail.

It was then she decided to call the emergency services on 999 who arrived shortly after.

By this time Mr Pratt said the blaze had spread to other neighbouring gardens and even burnt down a shed in Hartington Street.

He said a separate crew attended the second street to check for any damage.

"Within an hour the fire was brought under control," said Mr Pratt. "They spent the next 15 minutes cooling things off and making the area safe."

Residents took to social media to document the incident with one neighbour describing "loud banging sounds", adding "sounds like metal is being crushed".

Two fire engines attended the incident which was declare safe an hour later at 2am.

Crews believe the fire started accidentally when embers from a bonfire blew into a shed and caused it to catch alight, before spreading to a second shed, as well as surrounding trees and vegetation.

The current advice is to avoid having bonfires.

However, firefighters have reminded people thinking of having an outdoor fire to ensure they are not left unattended and to keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in dry conditions.

No injuries were reported.

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