Fire damage is delaying investigation into blaze

A huge fire which engulfed a block of flats in Snodland, forcing residents to flee for their lives, started on a balcony it has emerged.

An investigation found the blaze broke out on the third floor of a home in Lambe Close on the Holborough Lakes estate.

But Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) say the probe into what caused it has been hampered by the extent of the damage.

At its height, more than 100 firefighters were battling the flames.

This week a fire service spokesman said: “At this stage we are not able to determine the cause of the fire as the investigation has not concluded.

“The extent of damage has meant the ability to carry out physical excavations has been extremely limited.

“However, there have been a number of video and social media images supplied, alongside witness statements from local residents that has enabled fire investigators to view the fire in the very early stages to verify a number of areas.

“We are all aiming to conclude the investigation as quickly as possible, but at this stage we are not able to give a date for completion.”

Officers will continue working with the block’s owners and Tonbridge and Malling’s building control department to examine whether a further probe is needed into how the buildings performed during the fire.

It is not being treated as suspicious, but KFRS are continuing to liaise with the police as part of the investigation.

Residents awoke to find the block alight, shortly before 6.30am last Saturday.

An 87-year-old grandmother woman was taken to hospital, after suffering a minor heart attack following the blazebut noone else was hurt.

Last week 43 residents were temporarily rehoused in a Holiday Inn in Wrotham Heath while assessments were carried out on their properties.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) is working with Berkeley Homes to help residents left homeless by the fire.

Of 22 flats destroyed, 17 households are owner occupiers and five private tenants.

Steve Humphrey, director of planning, housing and environmental health at TMBC, said: “We are working very closely with Berkeley Homes with respect to the five private tenants.

“We have allocated a housing options officer to each household and each has been contacted and offered assistance.

“We will be tracking progress in the case of all those displaced during this week.

He added short-term financial assistance may be provided to help tenants secure new accommodation.

A timescale for the rebuilding work is not yet known and Berkeley Homes, the firm which owns the site, is yet to make an official statement on the disaster.