A significant house fire in Sandling Road, Saltwood, near Hythe, prompted a rapid response from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which occurred on January 14, 2024, saw five fire engines and a team of 25 firefighters tackling the blaze.

The emergency services, including electrical and gas safety engineers, Kent Police, and the KFRS Volunteer Response Team, rushed to the scene following reports of a house ablaze. Upon arrival, firefighters found a detached property engulfed in smoke, and it quickly became apparent that a large-scale response was needed to contain the flames.

Wearing breathing apparatus to protect themselves from the thick smoke, the firefighting teams deployed a main jet and a pair of high-pressure hose reel jets to combat the fire. Additionally, a positive-pressure ventilation fan was set up to help disperse smoke and toxic fumes from the property.

The challenges presented by the fire necessitated the use of a height vehicle platform. This allowed firefighters to access the roof space, remove roof tiles, and ensure that the fire was fully extinguished.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the incident. Initial investigations suggest that the fire was accidental in nature, but further inquiries will be carried out to determine the exact cause.

The swift response and coordinated efforts of the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, along with the support of partner agencies, played a crucial role in containing the fire and preventing its spread to nearby properties. As the incident is under investigation, residents and the public are reminded to prioritize fire safety measures in their homes to prevent such incidents.