‘I heard a bang and saw black smoke everywhere’
20 firefighters rush to home after blaze starts in bedroom
Around 20 firefighters rushed to a Maidstone home after a blaze broke out in a bedroom.
The emergency services were alerted after large black plumes of smoke were seen rising from the semi-detached house in Newchurch Road, Tovil at 11.30am last Thursday.
Neighbours also reported a strong acrid smell, like burning plastic.
Four fire engines and a height vehicle were sent out to deal with the blaze, and crews worked hard to prevent the flames from spreading to the house next door. The occupants were safely outside the home when crews arrived and fortunately nobody was injured.
Following an investigation, Kent Fire and Rescue Service concluded the blaze started accidentally, as the result of an electrical fault in the rear first-floor bedroom.
It then spread to the roof and conservatory.
The property was left with visible signs of damage, including a substantial hole in the roof and windows which were blackened with ash on the inside.
Crews later worked with the family affected to provide fire safety advice.
It is not known if they have been able to return home yet. On the day of the fire, neighbours heard loud noises coming from the house and assumed it related to building work that had been taking place at the property that week, until the fire crews arrived to tackle the blaze.
One eyewitness, who did not want to be named, told the Kent Messenger: “I heard a big loud bang and then saw black smoke all over the garden.
“A glass window smashed through and the conservatory was completely destroyed. “I ran upstairs as I was scared it was dangerous for my baby.” Those living in nearby streets initially thought the blaze was coming from the Arriva bus depot in Armstrong Road.