Update at 13:30 on 27 May

Firefighting operations are now complete in Queen Street, Gravesend.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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Update at 09:50 on 27 May

Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene of a fire in commercial premises in Queen Street, Gravesend, and two fire engines are in attendance. 

Firefighters are likely to remain on site for the rest of today, monitoring for hotspots and making the site safe.

The earlier advice to close windows and doors has now been lifted, however people are still advised to avoid the area until firefighting operations are complete. Please share this update with anyone who may not have access to the internet.

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Update at 20:30

Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene, although operations have been scaled back and firefighting now reduced to turning over and damping down.

Due to the nature of the fire and the fumes and dust still coming up from the site, people living in the nearby area including Queen Street, Milton Road and Parrock Street are still being asked to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Queen Street will remain closed overnight whilst firefighters remain on the scene holding a watching brief to make sure the fire doesn't reignite and to keep the scene safe. 

Currently six fire engines are at the scene, this is likely to be reduced further in the next couple of hours.

The cause is yet to be determined. A fire investigation will be carried out. 

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Update at 16.00: 

Steady progress is being made at a fire involving a commercial premises at the junction of Queen Street and Milton Road, in Gravesend. 

The incident has been reduced to seven fire engines and one height vehicle, with crews continuing to extinguish the flames and cut away any hot spots.

No casualties have been reported and members of the KFRS Volunteer Response Team are on scene to offer any advice or support to those affected. The cause is not yet known. 

Road closures are still in place in the area and people are being asked to find alternative routes while operations continue. 

Officers from Kent Police are assisting with traffic management. 

Please share this update with anyone in the area who might not have access to the internet or social media. 
 

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Update at 15.05: 

Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene of a fire at a commercial premises at the junction of Queen Street and Milton Road, in Gravesend. 

Both roads have been closed while crews work to extinguish the fire, and people are asked to avoid the area while the closures remain in place. Please share this information with relatives or neighbours who might not have access to the internet or social media. 

No casualties have been reported and firefighters continue to make good progress. 

Officers from Kent Police are in attendance to assist with traffic management. 

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Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been called to a fire at a commercial premises in Queen Street, Gravesend.

Nine fire engines and a height vehicle are in attendance, and crews wearing breathing apparatus are working to extinguish the flames using hose reel jets and main jets. 

The cause is not yet known. 

Officers from Kent Police are in attendance to assist with traffic management. 

More to follow.