A major fire has broken out at a restaurant in Maidstone, Kent, with fifteen fire engines and sixteen firefighters on the scene. A statement on the Kent Fire and Rescue Service website stated: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service has been called to reports of a fire at a commercial premises in Week Street, Maidstone. 
 
“Fifteen fire engines are in attendance, as well as a height vehicle and a command support unit. People who live and work in the area are advised to close their windows and doors, due to large amounts of smoke coming from the fire.  Members of the public are also asked to avoid the area while crews work at the scene.”

Extra resources brought in to help firefighters contain the fire

Shortly after arriving at the blaze, which is reported to have broken out in the early hours of the morning, fire services deployed a height vehicle as well as a technical rescue team to help contain the fire. People who live and work in the area are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed, due to large amounts of smoke in the area.

Members of the public are also being asked to avoid the area while crews work alongside other partner agencies at the scene.
 
There are no reported casualties, and a fire investigation will be carried out to establish the cause. 
More to follow