The first night of the four-day strike by firefighters was a busy one across the county.
Kent Fire and Rescue was called out to several incidents including four cars alight in a Canterbury car park and a crash on the M20
KFRS director Sean Bone-Knell said: “Many of the fires have been avoidable and KFRS is again asking the public to not set bonfires over the next four days and take sensible precautions such as not leaving tumble dryers and cookers on while you are out of the house and clearing visible rubbish outside buildings bearing in mind that this is bonfire weekend,
“Everyone needs to take responsibility to make sure that their property is safe so that we can ensure that crews are there for life risk incidents rather than out dealing with avoidable fires.“

The Canterbury fire happened in an enclosed car park in City Wall. Crews used a hose reel jet, foam, a main jet and breathing apparatus to deal with the incident and remain to damp down the area .

The M20 accident happened between junctions 4 and 5. The car was smoking and the crew gave first aid at the scene to a man and woman.

Other incidents included:
Rubbish piled up against a house in Bowes Road, Strood. The pile including a chair was well alight; a fire in a cellar in Wingham, possibly caused by a tumble dryer; a bottle bin alight in Margate, a fire in a barn in Dartford Road, Hextable and a road accident involving two vehicles in St Dunstans Street, Canterbury.
The dates of the strike means that the firefighters will be back at work in time for Bonfire Night on Wednesday.
But with some displays organised for tonight, KFRS offered reassurance that “organised events are licensed with robust plans in place for emergencies including evacuation and health and safety.
“For people who are planning to hold their own firework party, KFRS would urge them to consider moving it to a day outside of the strike action.
“If that is not possible, visit our website for safety advice at www.kent.fire-uk.org”