A POTENTIALLY 'devastating' fire in Welling was extinguished thanks to the actions of quick-thinking neighbours.

The fire broke out in an enclosed bin area behind Londis in Wrotham Road at approximately 7pm on Friday (AUG 9).

Doreen Robinson, from Belvedere, who witnessed the event on her way home from work, told News Shopper: "The fire suddenly flared up and if it wasn’t for the quick-thinking neighbours the whole of Londis would have burnt down.

"It would have had a devastating effect."

Residents from neighbouring properties used their own hose to extinguish the blaze, managing to put the fire out within about 15 minutes.

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters were sent to the scene after being called at 7.10pm and the fire was declared under control by 8.15pm.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Mrs Robinson added: "I think it might have been caused by cigarette butts.

"There was loft insulation and a lot of rubbish in the area."