A swift and efficient response by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service was initiated when a fire broke out at Rodmersham Primary School, situated near Sittingbourne. The incident sparked immediate action, with firefighters working diligently to contain the blaze.

Numerous fire engines and a group of villagers gathered at the scene to assist in combating the fire. Eyewitnesses noted the significant presence of four fire engines and a crane deployed to handle the situation. As of 10:15 pm, fire crews continued to secure the area surrounding the school. Notably, the roof of the school appeared to have sustained significant damage due to the fire.

Located in close proximity to the Fruiterers pub and the village green, groups of concerned villagers also gathered outside the school premises. To address potential hazards, blue tarpaulin was placed over a substantial section of the damaged roof.

One local resident shared their experience, stating, “The first fire engine arrived at around 7 pm, with the second arriving about half an hour later. As more engines arrived, it quickly became evident that the situation was severe. Firefighters are now utilizing a crane to assess the extent of the damage to the primary building’s roof, which was primarily affected by the fire. At present, the exact extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remain unclear. It was noted that an alarm had been sounding earlier in the day, and construction work had been ongoing at the school, although we cannot provide precise details at this time.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service reported that they responded to a fire on the roof of Rodmersham Primary School in Sittingbourne. The incident occurred on October 26, 2023, between 19:10 and 21:09. Four fire engines and a height vehicle were dispatched to the scene. Fire crews wore breathing apparatus and employed high-pressure hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.