Final update - 3pm

Firefighting operations have now finished at the care home in Central Parade, Herne Bay.

The fire started on the second floor and had spread to the roof space.

At the height of the incident, eight fire engines and two height vehicles were in attendance. Crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets and main jets to extinguish the flames.

56 residents were safely evacuated. Two residents were passed into the care of SECamb paramedics.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, caused by an electrical fault.

Update - 11.50am

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to respond to a fire in a care home in Central Parade, Herne Bay.

The fire started this morning on the second floor and spread to the roof space but has now been extinguished.

At the height of the incident, eight fire engines and two height vehicles were in attendance. Crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets and main jets to extinguish the flames. 

Four fire engines remain on scene and crews are currently damping down remaining hotspots.

56 residents have been safely evacuated. One has been passed into the care of SECamb paramedics.

The cause is not yet known. 

Initial update:

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is currently responding to a fire in a care home in Central Parade, Herne Bay.

Eight fire engines and two height vehicles are currently in attendance and the fire is under control and is contained. 

Crews, wearing breathing apparatus, are using hose reel jets and main jets to extinguish the flames.

Crews are working to assist staff to evacuate residents as quickly and safely as possible.