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QUEENBOROUGH — A kitchen fire at a house on Stanley Avenue prompted a swift emergency response on Thursday afternoon. Kent Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene at approximately 4:52 PM following reports that a domestic appliance had caught light.
Two fire engines were dispatched to the property, where crews wearing breathing apparatus navigated the smoke to extinguish the blaze using high-pressure hose reel jets. Once the flames were suppressed, firefighters used positive pressure ventilation fans to clear the home of toxic fumes and smoke.
Four occupants of the home were passed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) paramedics. They received assessment and treatment for suspected smoke inhalation as a precautionary measure.
Fire investigators believe the blaze was accidental, originating from an overheating toaster that ignited nearby items on the kitchen counter. Kent Fire and Rescue Service continues to advise residents to keep flammable objects clear of cooking appliances and to unplug electronics when not in use to mitigate fire risks.