Two people have been taken to hospital after a huge house fire sent thick black smoke soaring into the sky and the flames spread to other properties.
Eight fire engines have raced to the scene in Folkestone on the south east coast where a "large domestic property fire" is raging this afternoon.
Firefighters are struggling to control the blaze as the wind laps up the flames.
Cars have been covered in ash and the fire has spread to neighbouring homes in the Kent port town.
The road has been closed and people are being urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut.
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The property which has gone up in flames is in Wear Bay Crescent by the harbour. A large plume of smoke can be seen passing across the Folkestone skyline.
A South East Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Two patients have been taken to hospital with minor injuries. We remain on scene to support the fire service."
A witness told KentOnline that firefighters have "covered the first house in foam, but they’re really struggling. The wind must be playing a factor, it’s blowing the smoke so it must be blowing the flames.”
A Kent Fire spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service is currently at the scene of a large domestic property fire on Wear Bay Crescent in Folkestone.
"Eight fire engines have been sent to the scene and firefighters are advising the public to avoid the area whilst crews tackle the blaze."
An update as of 3.10pm said: "Firefighters remain at the scene of a fire affecting three domestic properties on Wear Bay Crescent in Folkestone.
"Crews wearing breathing apparatus are currently using hose reel jets, compressed air foam and water from a hydrant to tackle the blaze and reduce the fire spread. A height vehicle and bulk water carrier have also been sent to the scene."
The fire is believed to have started shortly before 2pm and emergency services have blocked off the road while they deal with the flames.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 1.38pm on Monday 30 December 2019 to a report a building was alight in Wear Bay Crescent, Folkestone.
"Officers are in attendance and providing support to Kent Fire and Rescue Service by enforcing a localised road closure."
Pictures and video being shared on social media suggest there is a large emergency services response.
