A 13-year-old girl has died in a house fire in Kent that also left her mother and another child hospitalized.
Firefighters have now extinguished all remaining hotspots at the charred semi-detached property in Hamstreet, Ashford, and are working to make it structurally safe.
Lily Kennedy died at the scene on Sunday lunchtime when an intense blaze tore through her family home on White Admiral Way. Her mother, Annemarie Childs, 40, and another child remain in hospital.
Three firefighters who tackled the fire also needed hospital treatment. Medics have since released them.
Firefighters arrived shortly after 12:10pm on Sunday. Six fire engines and a height vehicle initially responded to the intense fire, which neighbours said spread with devastating speed through the property.
A neighbour 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.»
Family Tributes and Community Support
Lily's aunt, Marie Louise, posted tributes on social media. «Rest in peace sweet girl Xx» she wrote. In another post, she added: «My poor niece, thoughts and prayers are with my poor brother and Lily's mum.»
Family friend Aeryn Gower described Lily as a cheerful presence in the neighbourhood. «I am beyond sad to hear this news. She was always smiley and knocking on our door wanting to play. She will never be forgotten.» Gower wrote on social media.
A friend of Lily's father launched a GoFundMe page to support the family. The appeal aims to give Lily "the send off she truly deserves" and support the family who lost their home and "a massive part of their hearts."
Ongoing Emergency Response
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said on Monday: «Firefighters have extinguished all remaining hotspots at the scene of a house fire in White Admiral Way, in Hamstreet, Ashford.» The service added: «KFRS's technical rescue unit is in attendance, as well as two fire engines, and crews are working to make the property structurally safe.»
Ann Millington, chief executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, issued a statement on Sunday night. «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,» she said.
Kent Police attended the scene to assist with road closures. A 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.»
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Emergency services will remain at the scene for the remainder of Monday.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
