In the early hours of Saturday, 20 July, Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to a garden fire on Valley Drive in Gravesend. The incident, reported at 3.51am, involved garden furniture that had caught alight.

Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and the crews quickly got to work using high-pressure hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. Support equipment, including lighting, thermal imaging cameras, and small tools, was also utilized during the operation.

The fire was brought under control by 4.26am, with no injuries reported. Initial investigations suggest that the fire was accidentally started due to an unattended disposable BBQ.

A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service commented: “We urge everyone to be cautious when using disposable BBQs. Ensure they are never left unattended and are completely extinguished after use to prevent accidents like this.”