Neighbours tried to save the teenager but were ‘beaten back’ by the spreading flames
A 13-year-old girl killed in a house fire in Kent yesterday has been pictured as her family mourned their “princess” who was “always smiley.”
Lily Kennedy tragically died after her home in Hamstreet, Ashford, became engulfed in flames on Sunday lunchtime. Neighbours desperately tried to save her but were ‘beaten back’ by the blaze, which is said to have started downstairs, according to the Daily Star.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said “an intense fire” had spread throughout the semi-detached property when firefighters arrived shortly after 12.10pm on Sunday. Six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to tackle the blaze.
“Sadly, one child died at the scene and another has been taken to hospital,” a spokesperson said.
Ann Millington, chief executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the child’s loved ones.
“We understand this will be a distressing time for the local community and support is available at a welfare hub set up at Hamstreet Village Hall.”
Two fire engines and crews remain at the scene to dampen down, supported by the volunteer response team. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Neighbours said they tried to rush into the house to help out but the blaze was too strong.
One told Metro: “It started downstairs and spread really quickly. There was nothing we could do at that point. It was really bad. We were all beaten back.”
Posting a tribute on social media, Lily’s aunt, Marie Louise, said: ‘Rest in peace sweet girl Xx’, while later linking to a report on the blaze she added: ‘My poor niece, thoughts and prayers are with my poor brother and Lily’s mum.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend of Lily’s father. The appeal reads: ‘Please can people donate what they can for a close friend of mine who lost his little girl a wonderful happy full of life child, Lily at just aged 13.
‘Lily passed away after an awful fire that tore through hers and her family home leaving them with no home and a massive part of their hearts missing RIP Lily …… all funds raised can give this little girl the send off she truly deserves x’
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 12.22pm on Sunday 28 December 2025 to reports of a fire at a house on White Admiral Way in Hamstreet.
‘Officers attended the scene and assisted Kent Fire and Rescue crews with closure of the road whilst they extinguished the fire.”
