A significant industrial fire has broken out on Ramsgate Road near Port Richborough in Sandwich, prompting a major response from Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Twelve fire engines, including a specialist DIM (Detection, Identification, and Monitoring) vehicle, are currently on the scene battling the blaze.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 15:47 today (February 23).
Due to the scale of the fire, crews are advising residents and those travelling along Ramsgate Road to avoid the area entirely. Those living nearby are strongly urged to close all windows and doors to protect themselves from potential smoke inhalation.
“Crews are working diligently to extinguish the fire,” stated an initial update from Kent Fire and Rescue Service. “The safety of the public is our priority, and we are advising everyone to stay clear of the affected area.”
Initially, seven fire engines were dispatched, but the severity of the fire necessitated the deployment of an additional five, along with the specialist DIM vehicle. The presence of the DIM vehicle suggests potential concerns regarding hazardous materials or air quality, reinforcing the need for residents to remain indoors.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to share this information with anyone who may be affected but lacks internet access. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Update 18.47
If you are travelling or planning to travel near Port Richborough down Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, we are still advising you to avoid the area as crews extinguish an industrial unit fire.
Crews are making good progress, now with four fire engines in attendance. Crews are wearing breathing apparatus and use foam and main jets to extinguish the fire.
Final Update 20.30
Firefighting operations have now finished at an industrial fire in Port Richborough, Ramsgate Road in Sandwich.