Hero Dog Saves Mum and Babies in Fiery Maidstone Blaze
Massive Fire Erupts in Maidstone Flats
Firefighters raced to a raging fire in Maidstone just after 3am on Saturday. Four fire engines, an aerial ladder, and 16 firefighters with three officers tackled the inferno that broke out in a downstairs flat on Bell Road. The flames quickly spread upwards to an upstairs flat and the roof, leaving both properties badly damaged.
Heroic Rescue Thanks to Family’s Loyal Springer
A brave mum credits her dog, a springer named “Woody”, with saving her and her babies. “I was half asleep when Woody came in — I could smell the smoke,” she revealed. “The fire was already in my property. I knew I had to get myself and my baby out.” Fire crews worked through the night, cutting away damaged roof tiles and dousing hot spots with hose reels to prevent the blaze from reigniting.
Suspicious Fire Sparks Police Probe
A neighbour claimed the fire might have been started deliberately. The couple living in the flat where the fire began, who also have a young baby, allegedly set the blaze to force a move after disputes with locals. kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which has caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.
Emergency Services Response
- Kent Police received the call at 2.21am on Saturday 11 January 2020.
- Hazardous area response teams and South East Coast ambulance services also attended.
- Firefighters in breathing apparatus battled the flames using several hose reels and CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System).
Inquiries into the fire’s origin are ongoing.
