A drone has been used as part of an investigation into a number of grass fires on the Isle of Grain.

Almost 30 firefighters tackled 2.5 acres of grass alight in West Lane, last Friday, less than a day after being called to a blaze in the same road.

Six fire engines and an all-terrain vehicle went to the fire, and at 9pm on Thursday, three crews were called to smaller fire.

Thursday’s fire has been referred to the police, a spokesman said they thought the blaze had been started deliberately.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said a drone was used yesterday, as part on an investigation into the fires.

The unmanned aircraft, which costs around £3,000 is fitted with an ultra high definition camera that can take stills or provide a video live feed from a scene and can use thermal imaging technology to detect hot spots or body heat.

Drones are now being used by KFRS at least once a week to help with tackling blazes, investigations and searches for missing people.

West Midlands Fire Service became the first to use drones in 2007, but now two thirds of the UK’s brigades are using them.

Station manager Adam Green is one of three trained drone pilots based at Kent’s urban search and rescue centre in Maidstone.

He said: “The advantage is we can see everything going on and it is safer for the firefighters and members of the public.

“After a fire a building can sometimes be too dangerous, but for investigation work you might be able to see where it started from the burn pattern from the air.

“You can find someone more easily in a missing person search because you can search a large area very quickly.

“The camera can stream images live to a fire commander who may be miles away, but can now see what’s happening on his phone.”

Mr Green added: “The drone is getting used more and more as people realise its advantages.”

Firefighters were also called to West Street on Sunday, September 11, and spent three hours tackling a grass fire which had spread across 10 acres of land.

The field, which is owned by the Ministry of Defence, is used by a farmer but only contained tall grass.