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Snodland fire: More than 100 firefighters tackle blaze Snodland fire: Residents 'left with nothing' in flats blaze
(about 4 hours later)
More than 100 firefighters have been tackling a large fire at a block of flats in Kent. Residents forced to leave their homes after a fire at a block of flats say their properties have been destroyed and they have been left with nothing.
The fire in Polloyfield Close, Holborough Lakes in Snodland, was reported at about 06:50 BST, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said.The fire in Polloyfield Close, Holborough Lakes in Snodland, was reported at about 06:50 BST, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said.
A spokesman said 15 fire engines were at the scene at the peak of the blaze. The cause of the fire is not yet known. At its peak more than 100 firefighters were at the scene tackling a blaze.
The building was evacuated and there were no reports of anyone being injured. The cause of the fire is not yet know. Alternative accommodation is being found for those affected.
A community briefing centre has been set up for the residents of the 22 flats in the block in Lambe Close, Manley Boulevard, the fire service said. No-one was seriously injured in the blaze, but some residents of the 22 flats in the block say everything they own has been destroyed.
A spokesman for the fire service said: "Crews are likely to remain on the scene for some time. Lee Hayes, who lives in the block, said: "I was woken up to banging on the door. I ran into my living room and just outside my patio doors there were flames engulfing the whole building.
"It is believed that everyone has been accounted for and a rest centre has been put in place for residents." "There's pretty much nothing left of my property."
Kent Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service were also at the scene. Louise Finch said her whole life had been in her flat.
The British Red Cross has also sent a support vehicle to support residents affected by the fire. "We've all lost everything, absolutely everything."
Eyewitness Les Jeal said: "It's calmed down now, the whole block is evacuated and everyone is accounted for and safe.Eyewitness Les Jeal said: "It's calmed down now, the whole block is evacuated and everyone is accounted for and safe.
"The local Snodland community have come together and rounded up donations for the families affected.""The local Snodland community have come together and rounded up donations for the families affected."
He said online fundraising pages had been set up for those forced to leave their homes.He said online fundraising pages had been set up for those forced to leave their homes.
"Most families have been left with just the clothes on their backs.""Most families have been left with just the clothes on their backs."
Dean Bone-Knell from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the building had suffered "serious structural damage".
"Some of the flats have been completely burnt out.
"You can see the facade of the building, but inside it's very unsupported and our firefighters have got to be very careful that parts of the building don't collapse."
A community briefing centre has been set up for the residents of the 22 flats in the block in Lambe Close, Manley Boulevard, the fire service said and those affected are being found alternative accommodation.
A spokesman for the fire service said crews were likely to remain on the scene for some time.