Firefighters are at the scene of a blaze at a tyre shop which has closed a major route.
The inferno has occured at Sturry Tyres on the A28 near Canterbury.
Pictures show police blocking the major route and fire crews fighting to extinguish the flames.
Witnesses commenting on social media report hearing loud popping and explosions.
Julie James wrote on Facebook: “Sturry tyres is on fire and exploding.
“Avoid is as the road is blocked off.”
Traffic information site Inrix reports that the A29 is shut in both directions from Sturry Hill to Vauxhall Road.
A fire service spokesman said: “Kent Fire and Rescue is currently at the scene of a fire at a business on Mill Road in Sturry, Canterbury.
“Four fire engines are in attendance and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, are using hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.”
