Firefighters tackled a blaze at a derelict office building in Tram Road, Folkestone, in the early hours of this morning.
Crews were called at 04:43am to reports of the disused property, known locally as Stoneleigh House, being alight. The fire was brought under control by 08:33am.
Initial safety advice
During the incident, residents and businesses near Folkestone Harbour were urged to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area. Three fire engines and a height vehicle attended, with crews using high-pressure hose reel jets and main jets to contain the flames.
Final update (9am, 19 August 2025)
Firefighters have since confirmed the blaze is fully extinguished and the safety advice has been lifted. Crews in breathing apparatus worked inside the property to damp down hotspots.
- Fire engines: 3
- Specialist vehicles: Height vehicle
- Equipment used: Breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, main jets
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is not yet known.
Background
Stoneleigh House, a long-derelict office block, has been broken into on several occasions in recent years. There had been plans to redevelop the site into affordable housing for local residents.
The fire service confirmed crews left the scene shortly after 8.30am, and an investigation will take place to determine how the blaze started.
