A pet cat has died following an accidental kitchen fire at a residential flat in Stanhope, Ashford, on Friday morning.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) was alerted to reports of a blaze in Waltham Place, Ashford at 11:44 AM on Friday, 21 August 2026 and four fire engines were immediately sent to the scene.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames using high-pressure hose reel jets and main hose jets to bring the fire under control. Crews also deployed a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear heavy smoke from the property. Operations at the scene lasted six hours, officially concluding at 5:44 PM.
While no human injuries were reported, emergency services confirmed that a pet cat died as a result of the incident.
A multi-agency response supported the operation, including the KFRS Volunteer Response Team, who provided support to affected residents. Representatives from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), Kent Police, local authority officers, and safety engineers from UK Power Networks and gas agencies were also in attendance to secure the area and ensure utility safety.
Following an initial investigation, fire officials believe the cause was accidental, with the source pinpointed to a fridge freezer appliance in the kitchen.