Dartford Firefighters Tackle Church Hall Blaze in Watling Street
Firefighters in Dartford have been praised for their swift action after a large fire broke out at St Andrew’s Church Hall on Watling Street. Crews rushed to the scene after reports of smoke and flames engulfing the historic building were received on Saturday afternoon.
At the height of the incident, approximately 20 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze. Engines from Dartford, Thames-side, and nearby stations responded quickly, working tirelessly to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to neighboring properties.
Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen billowing across Dartford as crews battled the flames. Residents living near the scene were urged to close their windows and doors due to the smoke, and Watling Street was temporarily closed to allow emergency services safe access to the site.
A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said:
*”We were called to reports of a fire at St Andrew’s Church Hall just after 2:30 pm. On arrival, crews found the building well alight. Six fire engines and around 20 firefighters were at the scene working to contain the fire and prevent further damage.”*
The fire is believed to have started in the rear section of the church hall, although the exact cause is still under investigation. Crews used hose reels, main jets, and an aerial ladder platform to combat the flames from multiple angles. Firefighters remained on site for several hours, dampening down hotspots and ensuring the structure was safe.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic” but praised the firefighters for their swift and professional response. Local resident Sarah Mitchell said:
*”It was quite frightening to see so much smoke and fire so close to home. The firefighters were incredible. They got here really quickly and worked so hard to get it under control.”*
No injuries have been reported, although the church hall has suffered significant damage, particularly to its roof and interior. Fire crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the adjoining church building, which remains largely unaffected.
The church community has expressed sadness at the damage to the hall, which served as a vital hub for local groups and events. Rev. Martin Hayes of St Andrew’s Church said:
*”The hall has been at the heart of our community for many years. We are devastated by the damage, but incredibly grateful that no one was hurt. We are thankful to the firefighters for their bravery and dedication.”*
Structural engineers have been called in to assess the damage and determine whether the building can be salvaged. Meanwhile, church leaders have pledged to continue their activities elsewhere, with offers of support already flooding in from other local venues.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway and urged anyone with information or who witnessed anything unusual before the fire to come forward.
As the community rallies around St Andrew’s Church, many have spoken of the hall’s importance to Dartford and the hope that, despite the devastation, it can eventually be restored.
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