A girl who tragically died in a house fire has been named locally – as flowers are left at the scene of the devastating blaze.
Lily Kennedy, 13, was killed when the “intense” blaze swept through her family home in Hamstreet, near Ashford, shortly after midday on Sunday.
Lily Kennedy, 13, died in a house fire in Hamstreet on Sunday, sparking shock and sadness throughout the village. Picture: Facebook
Today, forensic officers are working within a police cordon set up at the Bovis Homes Nightingale View new-build estate. Fire crews are continuing to make the property structurally safe.
Another child was taken to hospital following the incident, along with an adult, believed to be Lily’s mother.
Sharing a tribute on social media, Lily’s aunt Marie Louise described her as a “princess”, adding: “Rest in peace sweet girl Xx”.
“My poor niece, thoughts and prayers are with my poor brother and Lily’s mum.”
Six fire engines and a height vehicle were called to the major blaze at the semi-detached home in White Admiral Way shortly after midday on Sunday. Police, paramedics and the air ambulance also attended.
Speaking to KentOnline at the scene this morning, Kent Fire and Rescue group manager Alan Standing said the fire is believed to have started on the ground floor and spread upwards.
Flowers left at scene of house fire in Hamstreet, near Ashford, in which child diedSix fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to tackle the blaze. Picture: PA WireAlan Standing, Kent Fire and Rescue Service group manager
He said crews responded to multiple 999 calls about the blaze.
“We sent six fire engines and a height vehicle to attend the incident, which by that point had broken through into a severe fire into the first floor of the house,” Mr Standing said.
“Tragically, a child has lost their life in this incident, and a further adult and child remain in hospital at this time.”
He said it was too early to say what caused the fire, but added: “At this point, we believe it started in the ground floor and progressed up.
Mr Standing said: “At this time, it’s a point of reflection for this tragic incident, and our condolences.
“The thoughts are with the loved ones of the family and, indeed, the wider community here in Hamstreet.
“Obviously, this has generated national news, and we’ve got a sense of the feeling of absolute heartbreak in this community.”
Forensics are at the scene of the fire in Hamstreet, near Ashford, as investigations continueThe fire service says crews are “continuing to make the property structurally safe”. Picture: PA Wire
He added: “Our focus today is to find out what happened here, and to continue to support the community, and to continue to support the family in this tragic incident at the moment.”
Police and fire crews remain at the estate, near Hamstreet Primary School, with the street taped off as investigations continue.
Flowers have been left at the edge of the cordon, and emergency services are expected to remain at the site for the rest of the day while crews “continue to make the property structurally safe”.
The Church of the Good Shepherd in Hamstreet opened its doors between 11am and 12pm today to give villagers the opportunity “to talk or pray for the family or reflect on yesterday’s fire tragedy”.
Rev Geoff Abasolo-Munnery says the “close-knit” community is shocked by the incident.
“Everyone will be feeling for the family, wishing to offer condolences and their best prayers and thoughts at this really tragic time,” he said.
“To the community and especially to the family, no words can express the tragedy and the loss, but we are here to support you, if you wish, and to know that you are not alone in this moment of need and of tragedy.”
Rev Geoff Abasolo-Munnery, of The Church of the Good Shepherd, says the “close-knit” community is shockedThe Church of the Good Shepherd in Hamstreet was open to villagers until 12pmFire crews are expected to stay at the site for the rest of the day. Picture: PA Wire
Peter New, of Ashford’s Community Watch, told KentOnline the blaze was devastating for all involved.
“There is no doubt at all – and it’s not being dramatic – this will shake the community to the core,” the 76-year-old said.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the community.
“I cannot imagine what the community is going through. Especially at this time of year with families celebrating Christmas – this is as bad and as horrific as it can get.”
The former assistant chief officer of Kent Fire and Rescue (KFR), who served for 34 years, believes the last residents moved onto the estate in Nightingale View in the past few months.
“I think at this time, the most important thing now is for everyone to give whatever support they can give the family now,” Mr New added.
“The fire service will be doing everything they can do now to find the exact cause.”
Police and fire crews at the scene of the devastating house fire in Hamstreet, near Ashford, on Monday morning
A welfare hub was set up yesterday at the village hall to offer support to residents.
KFR’s chief executive Ann Millington said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with anyone affected by this tragic incident, and we’d like to extend our thanks to the local community for their support and understanding while operations continue.
“If you have been impacted by this tragedy, please look after your wellbeing and seek advice if you feel you need support.”
Yesterday afternoon, neighbours were urged to close their windows and doors due to the smoke coming from the home.
The fire service says the “intense fire” spread throughout the home on the new-build estate in Hamstreet, near Ashford
Police closed the road while multiple firefighters battled the “intense fire, which had spread throughout the home”.
The British Red Cross and the fire service’s volunteer response team also attended.
In an update at 5.45pm, KFRS confirmed that one child had died and another had been taken to hospital.
The ambulance service said an adult was also taken to hospital.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries – they attended hospital and have since been released.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries in the blaze and attended hospital. Crews remain at the scene in Hamstreet, near Ashford, on Monday morning
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
In an update this morning, KFRS said crews had extinguished all remaining hotspots at the site.
They added: “Emergency services are likely to be present in the area for the remainder of today.”
Construction on Bovis Estate’s Nightingale View, which is opposite Hamstreet Primary and off Ashford Road, began in 2023, with its first residents moving in that year.