Firefighters have battled a blaze that spread to a family home - after a brazier was placed too close to the property.

Three fire engines were scrambled to the scene in Churchill Avenue, Chatham, after the fire spread to the house and caused the roof to catch alight at about 5.20pm yesterday.

Crews wearing breathing equipment used jets of water to extinguish the flames, and the fire was out by 6.45pm.

No casualties were reported.

Volunteers from British Red Cross also attended to offer support and advice to the family.

It is believed the brazier - a container used to burn charcoal or other solid fuel - had been placed too close to the property, and became out of control.

The flames set fire to the soffits and spread to the roof space.

Following the incident, firefighters are urging people to take extra care when enjoying any outdoor fire.

They advise people to follow simple safety tips, including placing any barbecue, brazier or fire pit on a flat surface and keeping them well away from property, sheds, fences and overhanging branches.

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