Six Fire Engines Tackle Major Blaze at Northfleet Mill
A large fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, May 26, at the Northfleet Mill recycling site on Crete Hall Road, near Gravesend, prompting a large-scale response from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).
The fire began around 2:10am, and heavy smoke has continued to pour from the site, prompting warnings to residents and businesses across Gravesham to keep windows and doors closed.
Firefighting Effort Escalates
- Initially three fire engines were dispatched.
- By 5:30am, that number had doubled to six engines on site.
- Aerial drones are now in use to assess the scale of the blaze and any surrounding damage.
- Bulk water carriers and tug boats along the river have also been deployed to assist firefighting efforts from the water.
A KFRS spokesperson said:
“We are aware of the incident at Northfleet Mill, on Crete Hall Road in Gravesend, where a large plume of smoke can be seen. Crews are working hard to extinguish the fire. Please keep windows and doors closed.”
Smoke Spreads Across Gravesend
The thick plumes of smoke are visible for miles. Sue Sharp, who was travelling by boat toward St Katherine’s Dock, said:
“We saw smoke about 10 miles away. As we got closer, there was a strong chemical smell and visibility dropped significantly.”
Multiple reports confirm that burning tyres and chemicals may be involved, though the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
Photos from the Scene
- Thick black smoke towering above Gravesend
- Tug boats battling the fire from the Thames
- Emergency services establishing a wide perimeter
Public Advisory
Residents in and around Crete Hall Road, Northfleet Industrial Estate, and the town centre are strongly urged to:
- Close all windows and doors
- Avoid the area unless essential
- Share this information with those without internet access
Stay Informed and Report Concerns
Kent Fire and Rescue Service has encouraged the public to remain cautious and report any health issues due to smoke inhalation to local medical providers. Emergency responders remain on-site.
Stay tuned for live updates and further coverage as more details emerge from Kent Fire & Rescue and environmental safety teams.
