Final update: 

All crews have now left the scene and duty of care has been left with a site representative. 

Update at 10.20am, Wednesday 29 March 2023: 

Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains in attendance at former public house in South Ash Road, in Ash, near Sevenoaks, following a large fire. 

The fire has been extinguished and crews from the technical rescue unit are assessing the structural damage to the building. One fire engine and a height vehicle are also at the scene. 

No injuries have been reported. 

The cause is not yet known but is believed to be suspicious. 
 

Update at 9.30pm, Tuesday 28 March 2023:

The earlier warning to close windows and doors has been withdrawn. Thank you for your cooperation.

Firefighting operations at a derelict building, formerly a public house, on South Ash Road, Ash, near Sevenoaks, are being scaled down from eight fire engines with a height vehicle and around 40 firefighters to four fire engines after good progress has been made in dealing with the incident.

Crews using water from a bulk water carrier tanker are continuing to fight the fire with main jets at a safe distance, as the building appeared to be in a dangerous condition. Local authority engineers have been called to assess the structure for safety.

Kent Police is in attendance as the cause of the blaze is thought to be suspicious, but there are no reports of any injuries. Efforts continue to bring the incident to a close.

Initial update: 

People in the New Ash Green area are advised to close windows and doors due to a smoke plume from a derelict building alight. Please share this message with anyone in the affected area who does not have access to social media. Thank you.