Two fire engines were called to a garden blaze which is believed to have sparked from a poorly discarded cigarette.

Crews were sent to Aster Drive in St Mary’s Island, Chatham, just after 4am today.

The fire had spread to fencing, timber plant boxes and trees, as well as causing damage to the property’s guttering and fascias.

No injuries were reported and firefighters left the scene just after 5am.

A spokesperson for the service said: “When disposing of smoking materials, always make sure they are fully out before being thrown away and use a heavy ashtray that can’t burn or tip over easily.

“Also, remember not to leave smoking materials unattended.”

Meanwhile, there is a fire hazard warning for the county with temperatures expected to reach 31c on what could be the hottest day of the year.

In some areas including Ashford and Paddock Wood, the warning is ‘exceptional’ while the rest of Kent is rated as ‘high’.