100 firefighters tackle huge blaze at block of flats in Kent

‘The building is pure timber construction. It went up like November the fifth’

Emergency services said no one was seriously injured in the fire (Aaron Roffe/@aaronroffe)

A huge fire broke out at a block of flats in Kent, prompting the evacuation of the three-storey building.

More than 100 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, which began early Saturday morning. .

Emergency services said the building, which is in the town of Snodland, near Maidstone, was evacuated and there were no reports of anyone being seriously injured.

The fire broke out days after the three-month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster and amid ongoing concerns over the safety of many residential tower blocks.

While the Snodland building is only three storeys high, the exterior cladding and insulation used on hundreds of high-rise blocks have now failed Government safety tests.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “Firefighters are dealing with a large fire at a three-storey building used as flats at Holborough Lakes, Snodland. Fifteen fire engines are on the scene, as well as two height vehicles and a water management unit.

“Crews wearing breathing apparatus are fighting the fire with main jets, compressed air foam and water from hydrants."

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Eyewitnesses said the building was “pure timber” and “went up like November the fifth”.

Andrew Holt, who was in the area to pick up a pupil for a driving lesson, told Kent Live: “The smoke was visible from over a mile away. I was heading to the estate where the fire was, for a 7am driving lesson.

Fifteen fire engines were called to the scene of the blaze (Aaron Roffe/@aaronroffe)

“My pupil lived round the back of the building that was on fire – I couldn’t get to him and he couldn’t come out, on advice from the fire and rescue service. They were there on the scene just seconds behind me.

“The building is pure timber construction, and went up like November the fifth. Some residents were walking around in gowns, but bare-footed. Hopefully there are no casualties.”

A spokesperson for the South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “We have sent a number of ambulance crews to the scene this morning, including our Hazardous Area Response Team.

“We attended to two patients, neither of whom are believed to be directly affected by the fire – by that we mean not suffering from smoke inhalation.

“One man suffered from chest pain and was taken to Maidstone Hospital for further checks, but is not in a serious condition.

“A woman was also checked over for a minor injury sustained at the scene, and she has now been discharged.

“A rest centre has been set up nearby and we have send a paramedic to oversee any other issues which may arise.

“We are not aware of any other issues at present but we remain on the scene to support the fire service.”