Kitchen Blaze Sparks Panic at Gillingham Student Block
Firefighters rushed to a kitchen fire at a four-storey student accommodation on Blake Avenue, Gillingham. The entire building had been evacuated before crews arrived, with everyone accounted for.
Smoke-Filled Kitchen Sparks Emergency
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a smoke-choked communal kitchen on the fourth floor. One person suffered smoke inhalation and was handed over to SECAmb paramedics.
The blaze started when a pan on the hob caught fire. The casualty tried to douse the flames but escaped quickly, shutting the kitchen door to trap the smoke inside.
Firefighters Bring Blaze Under Control
A main jet was deployed to fully extinguish the fire, while positive pressure ventilation fans cleared the smoke. Station Manager Vicki Board said:
“We initially sent six fire engines due to the heavy smoke and type of accommodation, but scaled down once crews found the fire mostly burnt out.”
“The evacuation and roll call by management was very efficient and gave us crucial info. Thanks to the closed door, only the kitchen was smoke damaged, and residents have already been able to return.”
Safety Advice for Students
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is now urging students and residents to exercise caution in the kitchen to prevent similar incidents.
For top safety tips, visit Kent Fire’s student safety advice.
