A DOG is believed to have triggered a blaze which swept through a row of terraced houses in Cranbrook High Street last night.

Fire crews from Cranbrook, Hawkhurst, Marden and Tenterden were called to the the blaze which started at about 9pm. An aerial ladder platform from Tunbridge Wells was also brought in.

It is understood the fire may have started after a dog knocked over a paraffin heater, although investigations are continuing.

Two houses were badly damaged in the fire, which ripped through the roof. The blaze also left the second floor of one house badly damaged. No-one was injured.

Fire crews were on the scene for several hours and managed to contain the damage to the roof and second floor. The first floor suffered heat, smoke and water damage.

The road was blocked for more than two hours.

Fire teams returned to the scene today and used a thermal imaging camera to check that it was completely extinguished.