Firefighters are reminding people to close doors following a house fire.

Crews were called to a property in Henley Close, Walderslade, at 6.15pm yesterday after a lamp had caught fire, filling the house with smoke.

It is believed the owners had gone out for the day, leaving a lamp on the bed, which had fallen over and set fire to the room.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “The house was full of smoke with some coming out of the windows and roof.

“The doors had been left open, so it spread. People need to close the doors to rooms as they go out. If you have a fire it will significantly reduce the damage and the fire growth.”

Later that evening firefighters were called to Gould Road, Lordswood, to a shed fire.

The blaze, which started around 1.40am, is being treated as suspicious.

The spokesman added: “People need to make sure their garden gates are closed. If you have any external lights make sure they are working. As the nights get darker it makes it easier for criminals.”