An inferno in Kent’s Horton Kirby saw fire services locked in a fight that lasted more than eight hours.
On September 30, following multiple reports citing that commercial premises were alight, crews were called in to battle the massive blaze involving several industrial buildings at the location based close to Dartford. Kent Police and Fire and Rescue Services were both on site by 8.40pm.
Kent firefighters arrived at the blaze on Lombard Street in Horton Kirby to discover the fire spreading across several industrial units. On first inspection, the services believed the blaze was likely to have originated on Oakview Stud Farm. The ensuing battle against the extensive fire saw crews fight through the night, until close to 6am the next day.
Owners of industrial and commercial enterprises operating premises as part of their businesses must ensure they have appropriate fire protection equipment in place to safeguard their personnel and property. This may include onsite extinguishers, detectors and alarm systems. Companies booking a fire alarm fitter in Chester, Dartford and other parts of the country should only employ fully qualified contactors like certified electricians to fit equipment.
Six individual fire appliances were called to the incident, along with a dedicated high-volume water carrier. While no injuries were reported at the Horton Kirby blaze, descriptions given by local members of the community on social media reported thick smoke clouding the vicinity of the fire.
Kent Police have now opened up an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
