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Fire at Gas House Road, Rochester: Smoke seen across Medway

Thirty firefighters have been at the scene of a major warehouse blaze at the same shipyard where there was an arson attack last month.

The fire broke out at the warehouse at Acorn Shipyard on Gas House Road, Rochester this morning.

Smoke could be seen for miles around and people were earlier warned to keep doors and windows closed. That warning has now been lifted.

Video: The fire can be seen at its height - courtesy of Katherine Smith

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescure said earlier this morning: "The building is fully alight and crews wearing breathing apparatus are working hard to prevent the flames spreading to adjacent property, using two main jet hoses."

The Gas House Road fire can be seen from some distance. Picture: Jackie Hagan
The Gas House Road fire can be seen from some distance. Picture: Jackie Hagan
The fire has taken hold in Gas House Road, Strood. Picture: Jackie Hagan
The fire has taken hold in Gas House Road, Strood. Picture: Jackie Hagan
Flames can be clearly seen from across the water. Picture: Jackie Hagan
Flames can be clearly seen from across the water. Picture: Jackie Hagan
The building is well alight. Picture: Jackie Hagan
The building is well alight. Picture: Jackie Hagan
The warehouse is well alight. Picture: @StuartTurbo
The warehouse is well alight. Picture: @StuartTurbo
Smoke is seen coming from the building. Picture: Steven Morse
Smoke is seen coming from the building. Picture: Steven Morse

By 7.30am The fire was said to be "surrounded" and crews were making progress in extinguishing it.

An hour later the incident was reduced to one fire engine.

Police had been called in as it was believed to have been started by "malicious ignition".

Video: Fire crews at the scene of a fire at Acorn Shipyard

Fire station manager Daren Jenner said the building was well alight when they arrived so they were unable to tell where the fire had started.

He said: "There is asbestos cladding in the roof and that could be heard popping.

"The building contained materials such as oil waste and paint thinner. Our hazardous material officer has been on the scene along with our command support unit."

Another building at the shipyard was destroyed in a blaze on Sunday, September 4. It was confirmed as arson and it was thought it could have been linked to a spate of fires along the riverside.

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