An explosion was heard from inside a garage just before a fire spread to a bungalow.

The blaze started in Vidgeon Avenue, in Hoo near Rochester, at around 4.15pm today.

Terry Hardwick, who was visiting a friend in the area, helped warn neighbours about the fire after hearing a loud bang and seeing smoke coming from a garage.

He said: “There was a loud crack from the garage as I went to get in my car, and saw a small puff of smoke.

“I went initially just to knock and say something popped in your garage.

“By the time I got to the door, the flames had already started.”

Mr Hardwick then warned those living nearby of the fire and called emergency services.

He continued: “I did nothing commendable really just knocked on doors and made sure everyone got out and dialled 999.

“It was just lucky I was passing when I heard the pop in the garage then saw smoke when the fire started.

“Another neighbour tried to use a fire extinguisher but it was already going up, then things started to explode in the garage.

“The door blew out and the car outside caught fire before it spread to the house. The fire brigade arrived about 10 minutes after.”

Five fire engines rushed to the scene along with a height vehicle. Crews worked on tackling the flames while wearing breathing apparatus.

The fire spread to the roof of a bungalow, with crews having put it out by 7pm.

No injuries were reported and the cause is not yet known.