A Gravesend house went up in flames in the early hours of this morning and threatened to engulf a whole road.

The blaze occurred in the private, terraced property in Empress Road at around 12.45am but miraculously all the inhabitants, including four adults and one child, were left uninjured.

Eleven calls were made to Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS) about the fire and two fire engines were sent to the scene initially.

#fire #gravesend #shiiit

A video posted by Ice Official (@creativemiracle) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:05pm PST

A video posted by Ice Official (@creativemiracle) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:05pm P
 

Firefighters searched throughout the house for the family, while the blaze raged from the ground floor to the first floor.

By around 1.10am the five people had been saved and it was confirmed they were not injured.

Crews evacuated the neighbouring houses on either side and a third fire engine arrived at 1.25am as the flames had spread to the property’s roof.

A fourth fire engine arrived to tackle the fire as it spread to the adjoining properties.

Crews have used four sets of breathing apparatus, two main jets, two hose reel jets and a water supply from a nearby hydrant, as well a ladder to get to the upper floors.

By around 2.30am, fire that had spread to adjoining properties' roof spaces was under control with salvage work complete, whilst the flames at the rear of the property was being controlled.  

Kent Police, electrical and gas safety engineers, a British Red Cross support vehicle and the local authority housing and building inspectors were notified and many rushed to the scene.

It is believed the firefighting continued for many hours and it is not yet known when the fire was finally put out.

Did you see the fire? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885 721 or email hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk