FIREFIGHTERS are issuing a warning about disposing hot coals after a fire in Dartford yesterday.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at 11.42am from a neighbour, in Lonsdale Crescent, who had discovered the blaze and three fire engines were sent to the house.

The homeowners had been using their chiminea the previous evening and put the coals in their wheelie bin the following morning before going to work.

Dartford watch manager Graeme Walkling said: "People don’t realise that these coals keep their heat for a long time.

"Over the course of the morning, the heat set fire to the contents of the bin before spreading to a neighbouring wheelie bin and the rear of the property, damaging external cladding and two double glazed units."

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hosereel to extinguish the fire before ventilating the property.

Mr Walkling added: "Make sure coals are sufficiently cooled before disposing of them. If in doubt, use cold water.

"Avoid placing wheelie bins, rubbish or other combustible items against the walls of your home or next to fences or wooden sheds. This will help prevent fire spreading to surrounding property."

Crews gave fire safety advice and fitted a working smoke alarm in the property.