A tragic house fire in Kent on Sunday has claimed the life of a child and left five other people, including three firefighters, injured.
Emergency Response to White Admiral Way
The incident occurred at a semi-detached property on White Admiral Way in Hamstreet, Ashford, around midday on Sunday. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) responded with a significant force, deploying six fire engines and a height vehicle to tackle the intense blaze, which had spread throughout the home.
Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire, but the consequences were devastating. One child died at the scene. Another child and an adult were rushed to hospital for treatment. In a further blow, three firefighters sustained injuries during the operation and were also taken to hospital. All three were later released.
Community Support and Ongoing Probe
In a statement on Sunday night, KFRS Chief Executive Ann Millington expressed the service's profound sorrow. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the child's loved ones," she said.
Recognising the impact on the local community, a welfare hub was established at Hamstreet Village Hall to offer support. While the incident was scaled down to two fire engines for damping down, the initial advice for nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed has been lifted.
Investigation into the Cause
A formal investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire is now underway. Photos from the scene show the property's charred remains, a stark reminder of the destruction caused.
The fire service's Volunteer Response Team attended to provide welfare support for the crews involved in this deeply distressing incident, which has cast a shadow over the Christmas holiday period in the Ashford area.
