Victims offered new homes after ‘traumatic’ Northfleet fire
Those who were made homeless after their houses were destroyed by a ‘traumatic and devastating’ fire in Northfleet[1] have been offered long-term accommodations. Six properties were severely damaged[2] on August 21 after a blaze ripped through on Rose Street.
People who found themselves without alternative places to stay were found temporary overnight emergency accommodation by Gravesham Borough Council and have since been found longer-term homes. Investigations on the cause of the fire and whether the damaged properties can be refurbished are being carried out.
Three out of the six houses are owned by the authority and were homes to council tenants. Cllr Jenny Wallace, Gravesham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: “This week’s fire was traumatic and devastating for everyone involved, and we are grateful that nobody was hurt.
“While we were able to find short-term emergency accommodation for those families who needed it on Monday night, we knew those solutions were not ideal. Officers have worked hard to identify homes for those who need them, where they can start to rebuild their lives, and I am happy to say all those families are now settling into their new homes.
“We will continue to give them all the help and support they need at this difficult time.”
Aerial image shows the aftermath of the fire (Image: SkyShark Media Aerial Imagery)
No decision has yet been made on the future of the properties in Rose Street, with damage assessments and surveys under way. Meanwhile, the council’s housing team is helping to coordinate community support and donations for those affected by the fire.
Cllr Wallace said: “Our wonderful Gravesham community has really rallied around the families, and generous donations of clothes, children’s toys, and other essentials are coming in all the time. Our housing team is in touch with all the families and has an understanding of what is needed and by whom, so I would ask anyone looking to contribute their own support to contact the team by emailing [email protected][4] and we can make sure donations get to where they are needed the most.
“I can only thank all those who have donated items so far. The families truly appreciate your generosity.”
There were no reported injuries. At the time of the incident, a Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson[5] said: “Six terrace homes have been impacted by this incident, all severely damaged with partial roof collapse, and our thoughts are with the affected residents.”
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References
- ^ Northfleet (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Six properties were severely damaged (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Distraught Kent family’s desperate appeal to find Liam Graham missing for more than a month (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ [email protected] (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson (www.kentlive.news)
- ^ HERE. (data.reachplc.com)