A grandmother has told of the terrifying moment she fled her block of flats during a “devastating” blaze this morning.
Lisa Bones, was sleeping at home in Crabble Hill, Dover, when she was woken by an “almighty explosion” and saw flames outside her window at 1am.
The 55-year-old was in bed with her partner Lee Fletcher, 52, who was also sound asleep at the time of the alarming incident.
Recalling the ordeal, the mum-of-four said: “I heard an almighty explosion around 1am and saw flames hitting our windows, which I thought would come through.
“We got our clothes on and ran out of the building. We didn’t take anything with us and have only got the clothes we are wearing.”
Mrs Bones’ flat was one of 42 evacuated by fire crews, who remain at the scene.
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation, and 12 fire engines, two height vehicles, and specialist crews from a technical rescue team have all been involved in the operation.
“It all felt like I was in a movie – what has happened hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Mrs Bones.
“When we got out, some people were refusing to leave, and a couple of men were running in to get them out.
“Us residents were standing around, with emergency services taking our names. Neighbours were offering coffees and inviting people into their homes.
“We went to stay at my in-laws. I have only had an hour or so of sleep.
“We have no idea when we can return. It is devastating.
“I have only been there a year after being homeless for around three years, and we had just bought furniture we had saved up for. We don’t have any insurance.
“Lee was planning to move in with me. It’s heartbreaking.”
One of Mrs Bones’ friends, Emily Edwards, has started a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for those impacted by the fire.
The 43-year-old is also collecting donations at her bridal shop, Crowns and Curls, in Dover High Street.
Bystanders watching from a public footpath hundreds of yards behind the flats told earlier how they could still see flames coming from the roof.
Arthur Martin, from Margate, was staying at a friend’s flat across the road.
He told KentOnline: “We saw flashing lights at about 1am. Then we looked out of the window and saw the fire brigade there and bins alight. They were very close to the building.
“It looked as if the flames took hold of the building as well. It was a very big fire.”
Ellie Gibbs said: “It is pretty heartbreaking that this has happened during the Easter holiday.”
Stephen Lane, of nearby Oswald Road, said: “I could see the fire brigade with jets still putting out the flames on the roof. It is terrible.”
Dover District Council is working with people affected by the blaze to support and provide emergency accommodation.
At 4.30pm, a fire service spokesperson said that the operation was being scaled down. They added the cause of the blaze is not yet known but an investigation is taking place.
The KFRS volunteer response team also attended, providing welfare support for the crew and assistance to displaced residents.
