Restaurant fire on Wye High Street

Wye High Street is open again after a fire this afternoon at Joshan's Restaurant. Six fire engines attended a well-developed fire at about 14.30 today. Kent Fire and Rescue Service reports that the fire severely damaged the kitchen, and also damaged two first floor flats and the roof.

Dense clouds of smoke also travelled along the roof space, as the fire appeared to threaten a third flat above Wye News. However, fire crews quickly contained the fire and prevented it from spreading. Crews used cold-cut and compressed air foam fire-fighting systems and a fog spike to inject a high pressure mist under the roof tiles. This fire retardant technique is quick acting and effective, though it needs comparatively little water, which minimises the water damage.

Nobody was injured by the fire and the cause is unknown at present. However, two flats are now uninhabitable, and Joshan's staff have moved to London. The restaurant will remain closed, but thanks to the fire crews' swift action Jeanette Henderson will be able to open Wye News again as normal on Thursday morning. For more information Kent Fire and Rescue Service has a brief incident report, and Kent Online has a full report and drone footage shot by Geoff Jones