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A ticking inferno, sparked by human carelessness, threatened to engulf the ancient East Blean Woods. But in a heart-stopping moment, a quick-thinking dog walker emerged as an unlikely hero, preventing an ecological disaster that could have devastated the beloved Kent woodlands.
The tranquility of Monday, June 23, 2025, was shattered when Yasimin Djemal, enjoying a routine stroll with her canine companions, was assailed by the acrid scent of smoke.
“I could smell smoke, but I couldn’t see it,” she recounted, the horror still fresh in her voice. “And so I wandered for a bit and then I saw it. I was horrified.”
What she discovered sent a jolt of ice through her veins: a blaze, born from a still-smoldering, abandoned disposable barbecue, was already licking at the parched undergrowth. In the blink of an eye, a spark could become a raging inferno, consuming everything in its path – wildlife, ancient trees, and potentially, homes.
With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Yasimin demonstrated incredible presence of mind. She swiftly ensured her safety, creating a vital distance from the encroaching flames, before dialing the emergency services. Her precise What3Words location pinpointed the nascent disaster, ensuring no precious time was lost.
“I didn’t know what else to do,” she admitted, “But they arrived very fast, put out the fire, and reassured me I’d done the right thing.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) descended upon the scene with a single fire engine and two all-terrain vehicles, their crews armed with flexi-packs and a fogging unit. They moved with a desperate urgency, battling back the greedy flames before they could unleash their full fury.
Crew Manager Dave Turner of KFRS lauded Yasimin’s heroic intervention.
“Thankfully Yasimin came across the fire before it could fully develop,” he stated grimly, “but the outcome could’ve been very different.” He issued a stark warning to the public: “During the summer months, the ground can be extremely hot and dry, which means a fire can spread quickly, causing devastating consequences for wildlife, property and livelihoods.”
This terrifying close call serves as a chilling reminder from KFRS: the responsibility for safeguarding our precious natural spaces rests with all of us. Disposable barbecues and cigarettes, seemingly innocuous, become deadly weapons when left unattended. They must be fully cooled before disposal, and outdoor cooking confined only to designated areas.
“We’re so lucky to have these woods, and to know someone could just leave a fire like this is gutting,” Yasimin reflected, her voice tinged with both relief and dismay. “I’m so glad the fire service took care of it.”
The message from Kent Fire and Rescue Service is unequivocal: If you encounter a fire, do not attempt to extinguish it yourself. Your life, and the lives of countless others, depend on your swift action. Retreat to a safe distance and immediately dial 999, providing every detail of your location. The fate of our beautiful Kent and Medway countryside hangs in the balance.