A row of trees and a number of cars went up in flames in a dramatic blaze on an industrial estate.

Fire crews were called to the Counter Buildings site in Woodchurch, near Ashford, just after midday.

The tyres and vehicles on fire at Counter Buildings in Woodchurch

Gary Crawford, the owner of Kestrel Gymnastic Academy which is based on the estate off Brook Street, believes a power cable ignited in the trees.

"Car tyres and five vehicles went up in flames because it was near a vehicle repair site," he said.

"There was also oil out there; really thick plumes of smoke which blocked the sunlight for a period of time. Everyone is okay which is the main thing."

The 51-year-old added that as a result of the fire, he has closed the gymnastics club as fire crews continue to damp down the area.

"UK Power Networks has isolated the cables which came down and were sparking everywhere.

"I feel a bit chokey, and have a sore throat from the fumes.

"The smoke was just horrendous.

"It was a sight, the sparks from the power cables."

Mr Crawford said about 50 metres of trees went up in flames and, by the end of the incident, four fire engines and about 20 firefighters were at the scene.

'Unfortunately we will be without power all evening...'

"The initial engine from Tenterden that turned up only had three firefighters and they were running low on water," he said.

"They then had some from New Romney arrive and a big water container which has left gallons of water on site to help them to continue to damp down the area."

Mr Crawford is hoping to reopen the club as soon as the power is back on and the area is safe.

Earlier he wrote on the club's Facebook page: "Due to a recent fire at the buildings adjacent to the club we have had to cancel tonight’s classes.

"We have been told the nearby power cables sparked, setting the trees and several cars alight.

"No one was harmed and the fire is under control. Unfortunately we will be without power all evening so have no choice to cancel classes.

"Sorry for any inconvenience. Please keep cool and stay safe."

The Woodchurch fire came on the same day as a number of blazes across the county, with three in the Dartford area being tackled almost simultaneously.

Footage captured by passengers in vehicles on the A2 near Dartford Heath showed the apocalyptic scenes as flames took hold on the grass verge.