19th July 2008
Family rescued from Iwade house fire
A family of 10 has been rescued following a house fire in Iwade near Sittingbourne this evening (Saturday).
Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to Sheerstone at 8.49pm and when two appliances from Sittingbourne first arrived, crews found a first floor bedroom well alight and there were reports that people may have been trapped inside.
Two crews from Sheppey and Queenborough were then also sent to the scene, and firefighters wore breathing apparatus to search the house.
Station Manager Dan Upton led the operation. He said: “The mother was in the street when we arrived and was extremely distressed. At first we feared that some of her children were still inside but it quickly transpired that they were already out and were being looked after by neighbours.
“Although we advise people not to tackle fires themselves, and to get out and contact us as soon as possible, it would appear that the actions of neighbours have helped this family to have a very lucky escape.
“Our crews have worked really hard in difficult circumstances and have managed to limit the damage to the family’s home as they were damping down within an hour of receiving the first call.”
A man and a teenage girl were taken to hospital, both were suffering from smoke inhalation and the girl had sustained burns to her hands and forearms. The mother and another seven children also suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by firefighters and paramedics.
The cause of the blaze will be investigated in the morning.
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