Update at 2.50pm on 20 September:

Kent Fire and Rescue Service can now confirm that the woman taken to hospital following the explosion and fire yesterday in Canterbury Road, Charing, has died. 

The cause is believed to be accidental but forensic tests are still ongoing.

Update at 11:30am on 20 September: 

People are no longer being advised to avoid the area surrounding Canterbury Road in Charing, near Ashford. The road has now re-opened, although the scene remains cordoned off.

Please share this update with anyone in the affected area, who might not have access to the internet. Thank you.

Update at 9:40am of 20 September: 

Crews and fire investigation officers have revisited the scene of a bungalow fire, following an explosion, this morning on Canterbury Road in Charing. This is to make sure there are no remaining hotspots, and to continue the investigation into the cause.  

At the height of the incident, five fire engines and a bulk water carrier were in attendance and crews used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. 

KFRS’ volunteer response team attended to provide crew welfare, and Kent Police were also present. 

One person was taken to hospital by SECAmb paramedics. 

Update at 9:30pm: 

All hotspots have been extinguished and firefighting operations are now complete at the scene of the bungalow fire in Canterbury Road in Charing.

Kent Police are now managing the scene and the road will remain close until further notice.

An investigation into the cause will begin when it is safe to do so. 

Update at 7pm: 

Two fire engines are at the scene of the bungalow fire on Canterbury Road in Charing, dampening down any remaining hotspots. 

KFRS’ volunteer response team are also in attendance, continuing to provide welfare to crews.

The road remains closed, so people are still urged to avoid the area whilst we are at the scene. Please share this update with any loved ones in the affected area, who might not have access to the internet. 

Update at 3.15pm

Four fire engines, a bulk water carrier, and fire investigation team are now at the scene of the bungalow fire in Canterbury Road, Charing. 

KFRS’ volunteer response team is providing crew welfare, and Kent Police are also in attendance. 

Crews have made good progress and are damping down remaining hot spots. An investigation into the cause will begin when it is safe to do so. 

The family dog walked out to firefighters from the rubble and has been handed into the care of a vet. 

The road remains closed. 

Update at 1.20pm

Crews remain at the scene of bungalow fire, following an explosion, in Canterbury Road, Charing.

One person has been taken to hospital by SECAmb paramedics.

People are still urged to avoid the area while emergency services work at the scene. Please share this information with loved ones set to travel through the affected area this afternoon, who may not have access to the internet. 

Initial update

People are advised to avoid the area surrounding Canterbury Road in Charing, near Ashford, while crews respond to a bungalow fire.

Five fire engines and a bulk water carrier are at the scene. Kent Police are also in attendance.