Major Blaze Engulfs Former Debenhams Store in Canterbury, Firefighters Battle Through the Night
A devastating fire broke out in the heart of Canterbury last night, as flames consumed the abandoned Debenhams store on Guildhall Street. The inferno, which began around 8:30 PM on Monday, December 2, quickly engulfed the derelict building, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and causing widespread disruption in the city center. Emergency crews responded swiftly, and fire services have been on the scene throughout the night to contain the blaze.
The scale of the fire was immense, with eight fire engines and two height vehicles deployed to tackle the flames. At the height of the operation, around 50 firefighters were battling the blaze, with the first engine arriving just four minutes after the alarm was raised. Crews faced significant challenges, as the building’s old structure, filled with voids, made the fire difficult to fight. Firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby historical buildings, a task made even more complicated by the dense smoke.
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Local residents were urgently evacuated from the surrounding flats. Around 30 people were moved to safety from nine properties as the fire raged. One person was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation, but fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported. The fire is now under control, though smoke continues to affect the area, and authorities are advising people to keep their windows and doors closed due to the hazardous conditions.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, and investigations will begin once the situation has stabilized. While the immediate danger has passed, the emergency services continue to secure the scene, and part of Canterbury’s historic High Street has been cordoned off. This includes Guildhall Street, where the former Debenhams store stands. The disruption has affected local businesses and commuters, with traffic diverted and limited access to the area.
Many onlookers have expressed shock at the scale of the blaze, particularly given the building’s significance in the heart of Canterbury, a city known for its beautiful cathedral. The former department store, which has been empty since Debenhams went into administration in 2020, had been the subject of ambitious redevelopment plans. However, the site has remained abandoned, contributing to fears about its future.
The fire serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by derelict properties in urban areas, particularly when redevelopment projects are delayed due to environmental concerns. In the case of the former Debenhams store, plans for a £25 million redevelopment have been stalled due to water pollution issues at the nearby Stodmarsh Nature Reserve. Despite these setbacks, the developers have expressed a commitment to moving forward with the project once the challenges are addressed.
As the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, Canterbury residents and businesses are being urged to stay safe and follow guidance from the emergency services. Firefighters remain on-site, ensuring that the blaze is fully extinguished and the area is made safe for return. For now, the priority is to manage the aftermath of this significant fire, and to minimize further disruption to the city’s daily life.
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