FIRE crews fought a blaze which started in a garage and spread to two homes, causing "extensive" damage.
Ten fire engines were on scene at one point on Churchill Drive, Marske, east Cleveland, on Friday.
The fire started in a garage and spread to an adjoining semi-detached bungalow, and spread again to the neighbouring property through the loft.
No-one is believed to be injured as the occupants of the house escaped before fire crews arrived.
Two fire engines were called just after 3.30pm to what at first was believed to be a small garage fire, but when crews saw the plumes of smoke from a distance as they made their way to Marske, they called for back-up.
Crews from Middlesbrough, Stockton, Grangetown, Redcar, Thornaby, Guisborough and Saltburn, attended the scene.
Firefighters were extinguishing "hotspots" and were on site most of the night damping down.
A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said fire and heat damage at the properties was extensive.
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