Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) responded to a house fire in Sidney Street, Folkestone, on Sunday, 22 February, with three fire engines dispatched to the scene. Emergency services received the alert at 19:10, with crews discovering flames in a bedroom upon arrival.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using a main jet and a local hydrant supply, working to contain and extinguish the fire. The incident was brought under control by 20:27, with the entire operation lasting approximately one hour and seventeen minutes.

One person at the property received medical attention and was handed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) paramedics at the scene.

Following an initial investigation, Kent Fire and Rescue Service established that the fire was accidental in nature and linked to a candle left unattended in the bedroom. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential fire hazards posed by candles when not properly supervised or placed safely away from flammable materials.

The fire highlights the importance of candle safety in the home. Kent Fire and Rescue Service recommends that candles be placed on stable, heat-resistant surfaces, away from curtains, bedding, and other combustible materials. Candles should never be left unattended while burning, and they should be extinguished before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Additionally, residents are reminded of the critical role smoke alarms play in fire safety. According to KFRS guidance, smoke alarms have a lifespan of approximately ten years, after which their sensors become less reliable. Checking the expiry date on your smoke alarm can help ensure your household remains protected.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety visits to those who may be at higher risk, including families with young children, older people, individuals with long-term health conditions or dementia, and smokers. These visits provide personalised advice tailored to specific circumstances and can help identify potential hazards within the home.

Residents seeking more information about fire safety or wishing to book a free home fire safety visit can contact Kent Fire and Rescue Service directly through their official channels.

Key Takeaways

• A bedroom fire in Sidney Street, Folkestone, on Sunday, 22 February was brought under control within approximately one hour and seventeen minutes by three fire engines
• Investigators determined the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle
• One person received medical attention at the scene and was cared for by ambulance services

What This Means for Kent Residents

This incident underscores the importance of candle safety and regular maintenance of smoke alarms in preventing domestic fires. If you believe your home may be at risk, Kent Fire and Rescue Service stands ready to offer free guidance and safety assessments tailored to your circumstances.