Smouldering paper used to fan a barbecue caused a fire in a utility room after being put in the bin.

Two fire engines went to St Mildred's Avenue in Birchington at 8.35pm last night and crews extinguished the fire.

A KFRS spokesman says it is believed to have started accidentally after hot, smouldering paper, which had been used to fan the flames of a barbecue, had been put in a bin.

"Crews are urging residents to always make sure items are fully cooled before being disposed of, as even a little remaining heat can cause bins to catch fire.

"This is especially true with disposable barbecues, and with hot weather forecast for today and tomorrow, firefighters are asking people to take care to prevent fires starting and intensifying in the dry, warm conditions."

There were no reported injuries.

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