A fire has broken out at the former Portlands Club on the High Street in Northfleet, prompting a large emergency response from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the London Fire Brigade this evening.
Fire crews were called to the scene shortly after 5pm on Sunday afternoon (March 16), with multiple engines dispatched from Rochester and Dartford and an engine from Erith.
The fire is understood to have spread after material was set alight the building, with thick smoke visible from the surrounding area. Firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the flames under control.
As a result of the incident, the High Street has been closed in both directions, causing disruption to local traffic while emergency crews continue their response.
A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for further information, and updates are expected as the situation develops.
Residents are urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. No injuries have been reported at this stage.
The cause of the blaze is now under investigation.
