Firefighters damping down at Kent pub blaze as drivers told to avoid area

Firefighters are damping down remaining hotspots at a pub fire in Kent as people are still warned to avoid the area.

The fire broke out at The Dirty Habit pub in Upper Street, Hollingbourne near Maidstone.

Nearby properties were evacuated.

Firefighters are now working with local authority building control officers to make the scene safe.

The cause of the fire is still not yet known, but investigations are continuing.  

• Witness Tania Shillingford describes the scene of the fire.

At the height of the fire, six fire engines, a height vehicle, bulk water carrier, technical rescue team, command support unit, and Kent Fire and Rescue Service's volunteer response team were at the scene.

The fire service says there are no reported injuries. 

The roads surrounding the pub including Upper Street, Pilgrims Way and Hollingbourne Hill, are expected to remain closed until at least midday on Tuesday (11 October).