A significant fire that tore through a block of flats on Crabble Road, Dover, in the early hours of Sunday morning has now been extinguished, with fire crews remaining on site to monitor hotspots and assess damage.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) was called to the scene shortly after 1:10am on Sunday, 20 April, where twelve fire engines, two height vehicles, and specialist Technical Rescue teams battled the blaze throughout the night and into the following day.
Evacuations and Emergency Support
Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire spreading throughout the building and immediately began evacuating all 42 flats within the complex. All residents were safely accounted for, and Dover District Council has since stepped in to help those displaced by the incident, offering emergency accommodation and support.
The KFRS Volunteer Response Team was also on scene providing welfare assistance to both firefighters and residents.
Two individuals were assessed by paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) for smoke inhalation. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
Fire Now Out, Investigation Underway
At 9:15am on Monday, KFRS confirmed the fire had been extinguished and the presence at the site had been scaled down to two fire engines, with crews remaining to check for lingering hotspots and maintain a watching brief.
Earlier, at 4:30pm on Sunday, fire crews were still at the scene conducting a systematic sweep of the building to fully dampen down remaining areas of concern.
While the cause of the fire is not yet known, a full investigation has been launched. Kent Police remain at the scene and are working alongside fire officers.
Community Response
The incident has sparked concern in the local community, with neighbours praising the swift actions of the emergency services. “It was terrifying to see so many fire engines, but it’s amazing how quickly they got it under control,” one resident said.
Authorities continue to urge people to avoid the area while recovery operations and safety assessments continue.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service or Kent Police via 101.
For further updates, follow Kent Fire and Rescue Service on social media or visit their website.
