Dartford fire: Firefighters tackle blaze for second day after smoke sent billowing over A2

Aerial footage shows the scale of the fire burning in Dartford.

Firefighters are still tackling a large blaze in Dartford, Kent.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene of the fire near Durrell Dene, in Joyce Green.

Crews have been working to extinguish the fire using a water carrier and were trying to create a fire break on the marshlands to stop the fire from spreading further.

On Tuesday evening (19 July) the service said "good progress" was being made. The incident was scaled down with six fire engines on the scene overnight.

But on Wednesday morning, the fire service said the number of fire engines and resources on scene is increasing again as firefighters continue to tackle the fire and damp down hotspots.

Smoke from the fire is now minimal, and people living and working nearby are no longer advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Mark Rist, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday evening: "It's been a demanding day for us but we've got rehearsed and well-practiced plans that we've put into place from during Covid when we managed crewing in difficult circumstances.

"We've got virtually all of our appliances on the ground today and they're working really hard.

"It's a very very hot day, so we've got all our community volunteers out helping us with welfare deliveries and bringing water to firefighters to keep them going."

Aerial footage of the fire taken on Monday showed a building enveloped in flames and a huge plume of smoke rising from the scene.

No injuries have been reported and no residential buildings have been affected. 

On Tuesday, Stacey Bates, Spirits Rest Animal Sanctuary said: "It's absolutely devastating. We've got 12 horses in the field that all started as severe neglect cases and they are permanent residents. It's awful the thought of trying to move them.

"We've also got chickens in my Mum's garden at the moment along with rabbits and kittens. The thought of any injuries is heartbreaking."

Members of the fire department's volunteer response team are on-hand to provide welfare and support. 

The Wennington blaze north of the Dartford fire off the A2, is a separate incident which is also being tackled by firefighters.