Crews called to fourth bin chute fire at Trove Court this month

Fire crew at Trove Court on one of the call outsearluier this year Photo Claire Smyth

Fire crews have today (January 26) attended the third bin blaze at Trove Court flats in Ramsgate this week.

The incident, which is the fourth so far this year, was reported at 9.50am.

A fire service spokesman said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to Newcastle Hill, Ramsgate at 9:52am to reports of a fire in the bin store of the building. Crews used a hose reel to extinguish the fire.”

Crews at Trove Court last Sunday

Trove Court suffered a series of deliberately set fires in the chute in 2017, prompting Kent Police to issue an appeal for information on the culprits.

It has not been confirmed whether all the incidents this month are accidental or deliberate although a fire on January 1 is not being treated as suspicious.

Resident and mum-of-two Claire Smyth says it highlights the need for CCTV at the block.

She said: “Surely the first time could be put down to an accident, but who accidentally sets fire to the bin chute four times? If only East Kent housing had put in the promised CCTV, when we had the arson here.

“I don’t think it is much to ask, to help tenants feel safe and secure. We all pay rent and service charges.”

Fire crews at Invicta House last year Photo Gary Taylor

A pledge to step up security at Invicta House in Margate was also made by East Kent Housing last year after the tower block was targeted three times in one week.

During one incident families were unable to leave their flats and four people were taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.

East Kent Housing says all of the six high rise blocks it manages in Thanet have the following fire-fighting equipment on-site:

  • Dry-Risers, which allow the Fire and Rescue Service to pump water up to the different floors of the building if they need to tackle a fire
  • Fire Detectors
  • Manual call-points on every exit to a stairwell
  • Fire doors
  • Communal area doors
  • Emergency lighting on every floor and every-other landing
  • Emergency Signage

EKH says each site also has a Fire Action Plan.

4 Comments

  1. It might be better to fit a sprinkler system above the bins. It’s got to be deliberate. Fit a cctv in the top of the cute that will narrow down what floor is of interest.

  2. It’s ridiculous! The fire alarm has been set off at least 3 times in Invicta House since the new year and they’ve all been a hoax wasting valuable fire crew time

  3. There is a simple auto suppression system which is specifically designed to cover bin room fires in high rise blocks with chutes. it works 24/7 and negates fire service attendance as automatically resets. Kweltec Auto Suppression System – not a sprinkler system, far more intelligent and doesn’t discharge gallons of water.

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