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Wear Bay Fire: Folkestone community bands together

Support has been flooding in for the victims of a massive house fire in Folkestone.

Fire services are still at the scene in Wear Bay Crescent, and smoke can still be seen rising from the houses.

KMTV report on the fire

At its height, eight engines were being used to combat the blaze, which tore through three houses as firemen battled against the wind to prevent it spreading.

Two people were taken to the William Harvey Hospital, and more were forced to evacuate from the surrounding buildings.

Smoke could be seen as far as the M20, and news of the fire soon spread locally and through social media.

It has lead to an outpouring of sympathy and offers of support from the community.

A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for the victims, which has so far raised more than £800.

The fire tore through three houses. Photo: Nigel Scutt
The fire tore through three houses. Photo: Nigel Scutt

Members of the community have also pledged to help in other ways, including donating clothes and furniture to help the victims start to rebuild.

Roofing firm R Button Roofing has also promised to re-roof the houses with labour free of charge.

The Grand Folkestone also tweeted out offering its support and free board for anyone made homeless by the incident.

"Robert Richardson, general manager of The Grand, said: "I was in Maidstone when a colleague who lives near Wear Bay Crescent alerted me to the fire.

"We count ourselves as very much a part of the community, and so as we had rooms available I don't think I could have slept last night if we didn't offer our help.

"There was a fire at the hotel in 2014, and that was one of the worst days of my life, I can only imagine what it has been like for the people affected by this."

The community outreach also extended to the fire brigade, who were supplied with pizzas overnight by Domino's Folkestone.

Mayor of Folkestone, Cllr Jackie Meade said: "As soon a people saw what was happening, especially on social media last night, Folkestone residents started rallying to help the families.

"There has been offer of storage for donated items, offer of clothes, bedding and household goods as well as various go fund me pages to raise money to help.

"Neighbours stepped in to make sure everyone was looked after last night, and the offers of support have been amazing. This is true community spirit."

Smoke could be seen billowing across the road and into the sky
Smoke could be seen billowing across the road and into the sky

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, please click here

For more news on fires in the county, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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