EVACUATION
Explosion fears during blaze
Homes were evacuated amid explosion fears as a blaze ripped through a warehouse in Paddock Wood.
All nearby properties were cleared shortly after 6pm on Saturday when the fire took hold of The Packhouse, in Queen Street, as firefighters initially thought highly explosive gas was on site. Residents returned to their properties after four hours.
Other neighbours were told to stay inside and were left with no electricity for the night after flames burned through overhead power cables.
Rachel McCombie, who lives near the warehouse and called the fire service, was told the large industrial unit was full of gas canisters and had an asbestos roof, making it impossible for the electricity board to access the site.
She said: “The building used to be a cold store for apples, but I think it’s used by a lighting company now.
“It was a huge fire, we could feel the heat from across the fields. I feel sorry for those who live in the cottages next to it as they had to be evacuated. The Red Cross turned up and were giving them tea.”
It was initially referred to police as a suspicious fire, but a spokesman confirmed on Monday this was no longer the case, although officers are still investigating.
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said an electrical fault was likely to have caused the blaze.
Crews from eight fire engines, a height vehicle and a water carrier tackled it at its height.
Road closures were also implemented from Queen Street to its junction with Lucks Lane.
The fire, which started just before 6pm, was under control by midnight, with one crew staying at the plot for much of Sunday to hose down the smouldering remains. Police officers were also in the area carrying out inquiries.
Southeastern said its rail services were not affected by the smoke, despite the track running near the scene of the fire.
No one was injured.