Smoke warning lifted after bonfire extinguished near Maidstone

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has lifted its advice for residents near Ulcombe Hill and East Sutton to keep windows and doors closed, after crews extinguished an unattended bonfire.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service posted a final update at 3.40pm on 5 August 2026 confirming that residents of the East Sutton area and people living or travelling near Ulcombe Hill in Maidstone were no longer being advised to close windows and doors. The warning had been issued because of smoke from an unattended bonfire.

The smoke warning was first reported shortly after 9pm on 5 August 2026. At the height of the incident, three fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended the scene, according to local live reporting. The service’s final update confirmed crews had extinguished the fire and conditions had improved sufficiently to lift the precautionary advice.

Source: @kentfirerescue

Published: 6 August 2026