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Fire in Hampshire Drive, Maidstone

Firefighters have issued a warning about the dangers of using a DIY product following a blaze which started in a summerhouse in Maidstone.

Crews were called to Hampshire Drive at 11.30am after smoke was seen pouring from the garden of a property.

Residents had been using expandable foam to insulate a vivarium and it appears that fumes collecting inside the unit may have been ignited by a nearby calor gas heater.

Neighbours reported hearing several loud bangs in the area.

A woman was treated at the scene for the effects of breathing in smoke but nobody was seriously injured. The summer house was 5m by 8m big, and was well alight when crews arrived.

The incident has prompted Kent Fire and Rescue Service to remind everyone that they must follow manufacturers instructions when using expanding foam - a DIY product generally used to fix and fill holes and gaps.

A spokesman said: "The propellant gas used to dispense the foam is highly flammable. The gas is emitted from the foam as it expands and dries out. It is heavier than air, sinks and forms an invisible cloud. If an ignition source is present, the gas can catch fire, potentially with explosive force."

People are warned to keep rooms well ventilated when applying the foam and no make sure there are no naked flames nearby.

The fire started in a shed. Picture: Nikki Gough
The fire started in a shed. Picture: Nikki Gough

Crews had left by 12.50pm.

It is understood some damage may also have been done to a neighbouring allotment plot.

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