A dramatic fire that erupted yesterday evening, 2 December, 2024 in a derelict department store on Canterbury High Street continues to smoulder into this afternoon. Five fire engines and a towering height vehicle remain at the scene as firefighters work tirelessly to extinguish the last embers.
The inferno, which once raged out of control, is now subdued. However, the damage inflicted upon the historic high street is significant. The acrid smoke that once billowed through the town has dissipated, and the earlier advice to keep windows and doors closed has been lifted.
Despite the reduced threat, authorities urge residents and visitors to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary. A cordon remains in place as crews work diligently to dampen down hotspots and assess the structural integrity of nearby buildings.
The cause of the blaze remains a mystery, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the origins of this devastating fire. As the smoke clears, the town of Canterbury braces itself for the arduous task of rebuilding and recovery.