Firefighters battled a massive blaze at the derelict Stoneleigh House office block on Tram Road, Folkestone, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Early Morning Inferno
Crews rushed to the fire at 4:43am after reports flames ripped through the disused building. Stoneleigh House, long abandoned, went up in smoke as three fire engines and a specialist height vehicle tackled the blaze. Firefighters used powerful hose reel and main jets to wrestle the flames under control.
Local Residents Urged to Stay Alert
Neighbours near Folkestone Harbour were warned to keep doors and windows shut amid thick smoke clouds hanging over the area. The fire raged for hours before crews finally brought it under control at 8:33am.
Fire Fully Extinguished – No Injuries
- Fire engines deployed: 3
- Special vehicles: Height vehicle
- Equipment: Breathing apparatus, hose reel and main jets
The blaze is now fully out. Firefighters in breathing gear worked inside the building to soak hotspots. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause.
What’s Next for Stoneleigh House?
The long-empty office block has been targeted by trespassers for years. Plans were in place to turn the site into affordable housing for local families before tragedy struck. Fire crews left just after 8:30am, with an investigation now underway to uncover what sparked the fire.
