Firefighters quickly snuffed out a bonfire before it went out of control.

A crew had been called out to a back yard at Dalby Road, Margate, just before 2.30pm today.

Neighbours had become concerned about the amount of smoke billowing from it.

Margate Fire Station watch manager Paul Gray said: “The fire was close to being out of control so we put it out completely.

“The person concerned had been burning wood, furniture and other rubbish when such bonfires should only be small ones burning greenery.”

Mr Gray said he advised the householder that fire they had set up was against the law could lead to them being reported to the Environment Agency.

One fire engine from the Margate station was called out and the crew was at the scene for just 25 minutes.