A teenage girl has tragically died following a severe house fire in the village of Hamstreet, Kent. The incident, described by fire crews as "intense," occurred shortly after midday on Sunday, 29 December 2024.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed a significant emergency response to the semi-detached property. Six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to tackle the blaze, which had spread throughout the home.
In addition to the fatality, another child and an adult were taken to hospital for treatment. Three firefighters also sustained minor injuries during the firefighting operation. They were attended to at hospital and later released on Sunday.
Community Impact and Support
The fire service confirmed the fire was extinguished by Monday. Emergency services are likely to remain at the scene for the remainder of the day as investigations continue.
A welfare hub was established at Hamstreet Village Hall to offer support to affected residents. Initially, people in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, but this precaution was lifted after a few hours.
Ann Millington, Chief Executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, expressed the service's condolences. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with anyone affected by this tragic incident," she said. "We'd like to extend our thanks to the local community for their support and understanding while operations continue."
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation into the cause of the fire is now ongoing. Kent Police are assisting Kent Fire and Rescue Service with the inquiry. No further details about the origin of the blaze have been released at this stage.
The fire service urged anyone impacted by the tragedy to prioritise their wellbeing and seek support if needed.
