WHEN a fire ravaged three houses in a dramatic late-night blaze, it was all hands to the pump.
Around 100 people pitched in to help out after flames licked through two three-storey properties in West Malling High Street.
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West Malling fire, picture Jeffrey Hurst
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West Malling fire, picture Jeffrey Hurst
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FIGHTING THE FIRE: Crews battled through the night to put out the fire in three homes Photo: Jeffrey Hurst
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BATTLING THE BLAZE: Fire crews worked through the night and following day to extinguish the fire Photo: Jeffrey Hurst
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Empty shells: The fire damaged Grade II listed houses in West Malling High Street
Fire crews and 10 fire engines battled the inferno at 11.30pm on Friday.
Families were safely evacuated from the homes – with one householder emerging in her dressing gown – but were given a warm place to wait and tea and coffee.
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Landlord of the nearby Joiners Arms pub re-opened his premises to look after the dazed victims as fire crews battled to bring the blaze under control.
The 200-year-old Grade II listed buildings were alight for 17 hours and the fire is believed to have started in the roof space of a house and spread to the next door property.
Its cause is not yet known but is not believed to be suspicious.
The local community rallied round to help out during the crisis.
Staff and friends of the Joiners Arms landlord Tony Stevens comforted the victims as the fire service battled to get the blaze under control.
A worker from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council visited at 3am on Saturday to help the newly-homeless families who are believed to be staying with friends.
The next morning staff from Tesco and Costa Coffee kept up a constant supply of food and drinks to the fire crews, who battled 40ft high flames.
Kent Police inspector John Phillips revealed how their job was made easier by the response from businesses nearby.
“Around 100 people from two businesses offered their help by bringing coffee and hot food to the crews of both emergency services and it was certainly appreciated,” he said.
“Thanks to them, Kent Fire and Rescue Service did not have to call in replacement units and so they were able to maximise their resources.”
Mr Stevens said: “I had left the pub when staff called me to say what was happening.
“I came back, called some friends and together we re-opened the pub.
“I tried to get the residents away from the scene as it was a terrible sight to look at.
“We brought them into the pub and they were in shock so we gave them tea and coffee and offered them room to stay. They eventually got to bed at 4am. The incident seems to have bought out the kindness in people; people have offered their houses for them to stay in.”
Natasha Duggins, a barista at Costa Coffee, said: “We gave the fire crews and police officers free drinks throughout the day. They were very happy about it.”
And Sebastian Brown, manager of Tesco Metro, said: “The emergency services were flat out from early hours, so we put on a bit of a buffet of sandwiches, biscuits tea and coffee in our staff canteen so they could take a break. We try to look after people who look after us.
“Also, one of our staff who used to work here lived in one of the houses affected.”
Sasha Luck, councillor for West Malling and Leybourne, said: “I am very sorry for the people and their families.
“I heard a woman was rushed out into the street in her dressing gown.
“The community has rallied together to help the fire victims, and a representative from the council got there at 3am to see if they needed help with somewhere to stay.”