Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) was called to a fence fire which spread and caused a gas explosion at a house, in Old School Close, Lenham, near Maidstone. 

Two fire engines and a technical rescue were scent to the scene, and crews extinguished the fire using hose reel jets. 

No injuries were reported, and the original cause of the fire is not yet known. 

SGN and UK Power Networks remain on site today (6 June), and a local authority building inspector has assessed the structural safety of the property. 

Five properties were evacuated, and the affected residents have been offered support by KFRS’ volunteer response team and Maidstone Borough Council. One fire also remains at the scene, where crews are offering reassurance and home fire safety advice to neighbours.