Emergency crews are at the scene of a fire that took hold of a bungalow this morning.
Police, paramedics and the fire service were called to Mayfield Road in Herne Bay after the alarm was raised before 6am.
Firefighters continue to douse the flames, which have destroyed much of the semi-detached home’s roof.
A neighbour told KentOnline they believe the occupants were not in at the time the blaze broke out.
As many as six fire engines and a number of specialist vehicles remained at the scene shortly after 8am.
An extended ladder was being used to reach the roof, from which smoke continued to pour.
The road has been shut off in both directions between Douglas Road and Herne Avenue.
In a statement, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue is currently at the scene of a fire in a property in Mayfield Road, Herne Bay.
“Six fire engines are in attendance, and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, are using hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.
“A warn and inform is in place for people to avoid the area, this is due to the road being blocked by emergency service vehicles as they respond to the incident.”
