Major Fire Engulfs Former Canterbury Cinema, Residents Urged to Stay Indoors
A significant fire has torn through a derelict former cinema in Canterbury, prompting urgent health warnings for local residents and causing widespread travel disruption across the city. The blaze erupted at the old Odeon building on St George's Place, with Kent Fire and Rescue Service mobilising a substantial emergency response to contain the inferno.
Emergency Response and Public Health Advisory
Firefighters were first alerted to the incident at approximately 2pm on February 14th, responding with fifteen fire engines and two height vehicles to combat the flames. The severity of the fire generated substantial smoke plumes, leading authorities to issue specific guidance for people living in the vicinity.
Residents were instructed to keep all windows and doors firmly closed to prevent inhalation of potentially harmful fumes emanating from the burning structure. This advisory remained in effect throughout the afternoon and into the early evening, with officials emphasising the importance of sharing this information with vulnerable individuals who might lack internet access.
A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews were making "good progress" in extinguishing the fire by 5pm, utilizing hose-reel jets and large ventilation fans to manage the situation. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked diligently to tackle the seat of the fire while a Volunteer Response Team provided essential welfare support to emergency personnel.
Transport Disruption and Safety Cordon
The fire's intensity necessitated immediate road closures around St George's Place, creating significant traffic delays for those travelling through Canterbury. Motorists were advised to expect diversions and plan alternative routes as emergency services established a comprehensive safety cordon around the affected area.
By 6:30pm, officials reiterated their earlier guidance, stressing that the smoke advisory remained active despite progress in firefighting efforts. The statement explicitly noted: "The earlier advice for people living or travelling near St George's Place in Canterbury to keep windows and doors closed remains in place following a fire at a derelict building."
Separate Hotel Fire Incident
In an unrelated incident occurring the same evening, emergency services responded to another significant blaze at the Mercure hotel in Haydock. The fire, discovered on the first floor at approximately 7:25pm, prompted the complete evacuation of guests and staff members.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service deployed three fire engines within four minutes of receiving the initial call, with police personnel also attending the scene. Hotel occupants captured footage showing multiple emergency vehicles positioned outside the establishment as the evacuation unfolded.
A spokesperson confirmed the fire was successfully extinguished by 7:46pm, following a full evacuation and roll call that verified all individuals were safely accounted for. This incident, while geographically separate from the Canterbury cinema fire, highlighted the demanding nature of emergency response operations occurring simultaneously across different regions.
