Northfleet High Street fire: Suspected arson at former Portlands club

The fire broke out at around 5.26pm yesterday (September 29) when six fire engines along with a height vehicle were sent to the scene on the High Street.

Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, worked to bring the fire under control using high-pressure hose reel jets and main water jets.

The teams worked through the evening to extinguish the flames and secure the building.

The height vehicle was used to help crews tackle the fire from above.

Kent Police officers were also at the scene to support the operation and assisted with directing traffic.

NORTHFLEET: Firefighters are tackling a fire at the Portlands Club building on the High Street. Six fire engines and a height vehicle are at the scene. This is not the first time a fire has broken out at the derelict Grade II listed building. Video: Danielle Louise Reeves. pic.twitter.com/safH46XGh4

— Kent 999s (@Kent_999s) September 29, 2024

The public was initially advised to avoid the area as emergency services worked to control the fire which was extinguished at 10.15pm.

No injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

Officers are now appealing for anybody with further information to come forward and contact police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/165333/24.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Officers are investigating a suspected arson at a derelict property in Northfleet High Street.

“Patrols were called to the incident at 5.45pm on Sunday 29 September 2024, where they assisted with traffic control while fire crews extinguished the blaze.

“An investigation into the incident is underway and anyone with information that may assist is urged to call Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/165333/24.”