Fire crews were called to tackle a blaze at an abandoned cinema in Kent on Saturday afternoon. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) was called just after 2pm to the former Odeon building St George’s Place in Canterbury. Fifteen 15 fire engines are on the scene, and locals were urged to keep their doors and windows closed due to the amount of smoke coming from the building.
People travelling through Canterbury city centre were told to expect delays due to a road closure nearby. The initial update said: “Crews are advising people living or travelling near St Georges Place in Canterbury to please close windows and doors due to smoke coming from a fire at a derelict building.
“A road nearby is also closed, so please expect heavier traffic than usual. Ten fire engines are currently in attendance and crews are working to extinguish the flames.
“Please share this information with any loved ones in the area who may be affected but do not have access to the internet.”
At 5pm, a spokesperson said the service was making “good progress” on the fire using hose-reel jets.
Another update at 6.30pm told people to still keep their doors and windows closed as firefighters remained on scene.
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KFRS said: “The earlier advice for people living or travelling near St George’s Place in Canterbury to keep windows and doors closed remains in place following a fire at a derelict building.
“15 fire engines and two height vehicles are at the scene, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel jets to extinguish the seats of fire, as well as large fans to ventilate the building.
“The Volunteer Response Team is also in attendance to provide welfare support to crews. Please share this information with any loved ones in the area who may be affected but do not have access to the internet.”