Fire crews say they expect to remain at the scene throughout Saturday following a major fire which erupted more than 24 hours ago.

Balls of flame were sent billowing into the sky as explosions rang out and 200 people forced to leave their homes as the inferno at Hoo Marina. Some had to stay in temporary accommodation last night.

Stunning footage shows an industrial unit at Hoo Marina on fire

Residents reported hearing explosions and seeing gas bottles shooting into the air following the blaze at about 4am on Friday. And fire crews this morning said due to the size of the fire, they expected to be on site for another day.

Witness Brian Fegan owns Ritual Motorcycles which builds custom bikes and is based next door to the damaged unit.

He said: “It’s a firm called Nettex. They do animal feed, aerosols and sanitisers. It’s all to do with animal welfare. There’s a little alleyway next to it and our building is on the other side. We just thought the worst. We’ve got a lot of valuable bikes in there.

“We got a phone call at 5am saying it had gone up. We saw Kent Online and thought the worse. The fire brigade said there might be some heat damage but all the buildings on our side are still fine. They won’t let us near yet though.

Footage of the huge fire and explosions at Hoo Marina Credits: Drone footage by Luna Frankland and video from various including Joe Discipline

“The Nettex building was probably about 40-50ft. It’s about 10ft now. It’s gone.”

Another man said he'd been told ammunition and fuel is stored nearby, although this has not been confirmed by the authorities.

The community response has been hailed by residents who were evacuated by police officers banging on their doors yesterday and telling them to flee their homes.

Dozens were looked after at a pop-up emergency shelter at the Hoo Institute throughout Friday, with some dressed just in their pyjamas as they were forced to escape while still in their beds.

But it was confirmed last night that while the majority were allowed to return to their homes, about 14 people had to be put up in temporary accommodation.

Cllr Ron Sands, who has been involved with the emergency response, told KentOnline on Friday night: "They're going to be put in accommodation locally. They're being taken back down with the police to get some belongings and medication and will then be taken to the hotel.

"We don't know how long it will be because we don't know what the damage is."

Police guarded the area throughout the night to protect properties.

Firefighters were at the scene of the industrial building fire in Vicarage Lane after being called at around 4am.

At its height, 10 fire engines and a host of support vehicles were battling the blaze. At 4pm on Friday, the fire service said this had been reduced to four engines - they remain at the scene going into the weekend.

A spokesman confirmed to KentOnline that an investigation has been launched but it has not yet been established how the fire started.

KentOnline photographer Barry Goodwin, who was at the scene on Friday morning, said police officers shut a number of roads in the area and directed people away from the scene.

Witnesses said flames could be seen leaping 100ft into the air.

One added: "I've seen gas bottles rocketing hundreds of feet high, this is the worse fire I've ever seen. It's two minutes from my house.

"There is a large holiday home park next door to the fire."

Joe Discipline lives in Hoo Marina Park, right next to industrial estate, and recorded the blaze this morning.

He said: "Around 4am a huge explosion shook the house and windows and I jumped out of bed to see the sky was orange.

"There was then a second explosion just as big and that’s when I started to record what was going on.

"I spoke with a officer on scene which she explained to me the fire service had to be pulled out because the warehouse next door has thousands of rounds of ammunition and fuel.

"Which made the situation very dangerous, that’s why there was a big evacuation and the fire brigade couldn’t do much at first."

Luci Fisk, of nearby Berry Road, explained how police banged on her door to get her out of the house.

She said: "It was really scary. I live close to the entrance to the park where the fire was and police were banging on our doors telling us to wake up.

"My mum ran in my room and we quickly got out, there were loads of massive explosions causing debris to land on some of the houses.

"The fire seems to be under control now and some of us who don't live close to the industrial estate are allowed to go home.

"We've been waiting at our local yacht club since 5am."

Explosions could be heard across Medway following the incident.

One resident who lived nearby began to stream the fire and plumes of smoke this morning on Facebook.

As of 7am hundreds were watching the video which had more than 10,000 views.

Kent Fire and Rescue said ten engines were at the scene and urged people living nearby to stay indoors.

The service added it was flying its drone overhead to assess any damage.

Medway Council had advised people to avoid the area as a number of road closures were in place around Vicarage Road.

Hoo St Werburgh Parish Church has offered shelter for anyone who has been evacuated, adding: "The Church is open and offering refreshments and shelter to anyone affected by the fire at the industrial estate near Hoo Marina and Port Werburgh. All are welcome."

The Hundred of Hoo Academy, which remained open on Friday, said in a statement: "We are contacting parents and pupils to offer our support to families who may be affected by the fire at Hoo Marina Park."

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Former explosives disposal expert Brian Todd lives across the river from the scene in an apartment at Gillingham Marina.

He says he noticed a strange light at 5am and went outside to realise there was a large fire under way.

He said: "It was a kind of strange light, it was obvious something was on fire. When I looked, there was a substantial blaze.

"The 65-year-old, who was using binoculars to monitor the situation, speculated the fire may have started in the repair area of the marina.

Speaking at 8.40am, he said the fire crews had managed to douse most of the flames but it was clear the incident was on going.

As of 9am five engines and a water carrier were still at the scene alongside paramedics and police.

No casualties have been reported and affected residents are currently gathered at the Hoo Institute working men's club.

Kent Fire & Rescue Service has given an update at the scene.

They say there were a number of explosions and an exclusion zone was set up stopping people from coming within 200m of the fire.

Police and council workers were also called in to help.

Firefighter Mark Woodward explains what happened at the Hoo Marina this morning

At the height of the incident, 10 appliances were present, including height vehicles and water bowsers.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway