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Hildenborough fire: Everything you need to know about the blaze on Gaza Trading Estate

Firefighters have left a trading estate this afternoon more than 18 hours after a large blaze broke out in a timber yard.

Crews from Kent, London and Surrey's fire services were called to the Gaza Trading Estate in Hildenborough, near Tonbridge, just before 7pm last night.

Ten fire engines were sent along with a height vehicle and bulk water carrier.

Fire at Gaza Trading Estate. Picture: Jess Barnes (11243050)
Fire at Gaza Trading Estate. Picture: Jess Barnes (11243050)

At 8.45pm, crews were still working hard to contain the fire.

The fire service said everyone had been accounted for and there were no reported injuries, although people living close by were asked to close their windows and doors as a precaution as the plume of smoke was so big.

Firefighting continued at the site at 7am this morning, but the number of fire engines had been scaled back to four overnight.

A spokesman said: "Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further than what is believed to be four buildings at the site.

Fire at Gaza Trading Estate. Picture: Jess Barnes (11243064)
Fire at Gaza Trading Estate. Picture: Jess Barnes (11243064)

"Crews are now treating hot spots of fire that are deep seated, turning over and damping down the remaining pockets.

"The cause of the fire isn't known but an investigation will take place later today."

"The warning for residents to close windows and doors has now been lifted," he added.

At 12.30pm, the fire service said firefighting had been scaled back further, but crews were still finding deep seated hot spots of fire.

A digger was being used to help break up the debris to expose the pockets of fire and firefighters were using a main jet to extinguish them.

Flames take a grip at the Gaza Trading Estate. Picture by Jacob Green (11243077)
Flames take a grip at the Gaza Trading Estate. Picture by Jacob Green (11243077)
Fire at Gaza Trading Estate. Picture: Jess Barnes (11243074)
Fire at Gaza Trading Estate. Picture: Jess Barnes (11243074)

A spokesman said the fire service's technical rescue team had been called in to fly the drone above the trading estate as part of the firefighting operations.

He added: "Footage will establish remaining areas where the fire may still be burning underneath the debris."

But at 2.30pm, the fire service said all firefighting operations had been completed and the fire was now out.

The spokesman said: "Property has been left in the care of owner.

"The road closures around Gaza Trading Estate have been lifted and road re-opened."

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