Firefighters have tackled an out-of-control bonfire that spread to a house and shed.

The blaze closed part of Magpie Hall Road in Chatham, while crews worked to extinguish the flames yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

Three fire engines rushed to the scene shortly before 2.30pm.

A bonfire had become out of control, causing flames to spread to a nearby garden shed, and wall of a house.

Crews tackled the blaze with jets of water, preventing fire damage inside the home.

The building was then assessed to ensure it was structurally sound, following external heat damage.

Eyewitness George Atzev said: "It appears it started in an alley adjacent to the property, which had a sheltered structure over it."

He said an urban search and rescue dog unit and two vans from UK Power Networks were at the scene along with fire engines.

A spokesman from UK Power Networks confirmed it was called to a property in the Portland Street area following a fire.

They added: "Engineers arrived on site and disconnected the electricity supply for the property to enable the fire brigade to work safely"

Police officers were also at the scene and cordoned off the street between Listmas Road and Diana Road.

Following the incident, the fire service is urging people to follow its simple tips for a safe bonfire.

These include building fires well clear of greenery, fences and property; building them inwards so they collapse in on themselves as they burn; always supervising the burning and making sure the fire is fully out before leaving it unattended.

It also advises against having a bonfire in windy conditions, and urges people to keep a bucket or hosepipe nearby in case the flames begin to spread

It adds: "Call 999 if it gets out of control, get to a safe place and don’t try to tackle it yourself."

Speaking on Tuesday morning, people caught up in the drama told how they'd been affected.

A 55-year-old says her son, 21, was working from home at the time but unaware of what was happening outside due to having headphones on.

The woman said the bonfire was started near a pine tree with resin from it acting as a fuel to make the fire go out of control.

The mum-of-one told how the fire damaged her garden shed, which contained a lawnmower and Christmas goods she was hoping to sell.

A newly-fitted fence was also destroyed, as well as the outside wall cracking and turning black.

The worst part was the electricity to her house is no longer working – meaning her son can't work from home and the family are unable to cook or shower.

The next-door neighbour was also affected by the accident, as ash from the fire flew onto the gazebo and made some holes in its roof.

The 29-year-old, who lives with her husband and cat, said: "When we found out about the fire, we all had a panic attack.

"I feel emotionally damaged from the fire. I don't understand why people are so irresponsible. They need to think before they act."

She explained how the blaze caused her pet extreme distress: "My cat threw up and kept meowing – she's pregnant and felt that she was in danger."