Key Takeaways
- A house fire in Kent has resulted in the death of a child and another child being taken to hospital
- Six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the scene to combat the "intense fire"
- An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing
- The fire service has urged people in the area to stay away and to close their windows and doors due to the smoke, although this advice has since been lifted
- The fire service and local community are providing support to those affected by the tragedy
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating house fire has occurred in the village of Hamstreet, near Ashford in Kent, resulting in the tragic death of a child and another child being taken to hospital. The fire, which was described as "intense" by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), spread throughout the property shortly after midday, prompting a significant response from the emergency services. Six fire engines and a height vehicle were dispatched to the scene to tackle the blaze, with two fire engines and crews remaining on the scene to "dampen down" the property.
Response from the Fire Service
The KFRS has stated that their thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the child’s loved ones. Ann Millington, KFRS chief executive, expressed her sympathies, highlighting the devastating impact of the fire on the local community. The fire service has been working tirelessly to bring the fire under control and to investigate the cause of the blaze. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be published shortly. In the meantime, the fire service has been providing support to those affected by the tragedy, including the family of the deceased child and the child who was taken to hospital.
Advice to Local Residents
Earlier in the day, the fire service urged people living or travelling near the area to close their windows and doors due to the smoke from the fire. However, this advice has since been lifted, and people in the area are no longer being advised to take these precautions. The fire service has also urged people to stay away from the scene, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to allow the emergency services to work safely. The local community has been shaken by the incident, and many people have been affected by the tragic events that have unfolded.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and the fire service is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze. The KFRS has stated that they will provide more information as it becomes available, and the local community is awaiting the results of the investigation with bated breath. In the meantime, the fire service is continuing to provide support to those affected by the tragedy, including counseling and other forms of assistance. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for households to have working smoke alarms and a plan in place in the event of a fire.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The house fire in Kent has resulted in a tragic loss of life, and the local community is coming to terms with the devastating events that have occurred. The fire service is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, and the local community is awaiting the results of the investigation. In the meantime, the fire service and local community are providing support to those affected by the tragedy, including the family of the deceased child and the child who was taken to hospital. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for households to take precautions to prevent fires from occurring. As the investigation continues, more details will be published, and the local community will be able to come to terms with the events that have unfolded.