Neighbours have told how they were advised to leave their homes following a house blaze.

Around 30 firefighters and six engines were called to deal with the blaze yesterday afternoon in Woodlands, Walderslade.

Crews were called just after 4pm and police officers evacuated neighbouring houses after reports of gas cylinders being stored in the garage.

A family member of the house affected thanked the "wonderful community" who came to help and offer food and the fire service for their efforts.

Ian Rowan, a neighbour who was asked to leave his home, said: "We could see that the house was on fire. We were evacuated for a couple of hours."

Another neighbour who was also asked to leave, said they were able to return by 8pm after it was deemed safe.

She added: "We were all asked to go by the community police officers who saw the large amount of black smoke. I could see it from my kitchen. I thought it was a bonfire at first."

The blaze is thought to have started in the two-storey property's garage, before spreading to a bedroom above and into the roof space.

Another resident of the cul-de-sac, who did not have to be evacuated, said: "We could see all the fire engines and quite a lot of activity. It is really sad what has happened. There was a lot of smoke."

A fire service spokesman confirmed they believed the fire started accidentally.

A witness added: "The smoke went right the way through the roof. Every single tile had smoke coming out of it. It was a bit of a problem to put the thing out.

"We were told to leave in case of an explosion. There is still concern about the third part of the building as the roof is so unstable. The concern is the imminent collapse of the building."

A statement from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire has caused structural damage along with that caused by the smoke and flames.

"Firefighters are working closely with local authority building control officers to make the scene safe."

Electrical safety engineers with UK Power Networks, gas safety engineers, police, council officers and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also been involved.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus used a combination of high pressure hoses and main jets to tackle the flames, setting up a water shuttle to transport water from the nearest fire hydrant to the scene.

A powerful fan was used to help drive smoke and fumes from the property and two water hydrants were used for their water supply.

Two occupants were assessed by paramedics for the effects of breathing in smoke, and one person was taken to hospital for further treatment.