Firefighters were called after a blaze caused by a discarded cigarette spread from a bin to decking, fencing and a window.

The incident happened in the early hours of this morning at a home in Margate.

One fire engine was sent to Chapel Hill Close at about 1am and firefighters used a hose reel jet to extinguish the flames, before using a high-pressured fan to clear the property of smoke.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

Crews believe the blaze started accidentally when the hot cigarette set fire to other items in the bin.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters carried out a home fire safety visit and fitted two new smoke alarms, as well as offering the resident important safety advice, including how to dispose of smoking materials safely.

“People should always ensure cigarettes and cigars are fully stubbed out and cooled before being discarded, and to only use a proper, heavy ashtray which can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn.”