Child Dies and Another Taken to Hospital After House Fire in Kent

• Fatal Fire: 13-year-old Lily Kennedy died at the scene of an intense house fire in semi-detached property on White Admiral Way, Hamstreet, near Ashford, Kent, shortly after 12:10pm on Sunday 28 December 2025.
• Injured Parties: Another child and an adult taken to hospital; three firefighters suffered minor injuries, treated and released.
• Emergency Response: Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) deployed six fire engines and a height vehicle; South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb), Kent Police, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex attended.
• Official Statements: KFRS Chief Executive Ann Millington offered condolences; SECamb spokesperson expressed thoughts for affected.
• Scene Management: Fire fully extinguished by Monday afternoon; crews dampened hotspots until late Sunday; welfare hub at Hamstreet Village Hall.
• Public Advice: Residents advised to close windows/doors due to smoke (later lifted); neighbours attempted to extinguish blaze.
• Investigation: Cause under probe by KFRS; no further details released.
• Victim Tribute: Aunt described Lily as a ‘princess’; schoolgirl just days before Christmas.

---

A child has died and another child plus an adult taken to hospital following an intense house fire in a Kent village, with three firefighters also injured in the response.

The blaze engulfed a semi-detached home on White Admiral Way in Hamstreet, near Ashford, shortly after midday on Sunday 28 December 2025. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) confirmed one child perished at the scene despite frantic efforts, while responders from multiple agencies battled the flames. The 13-year-old victim, named locally as Lily Kennedy, was described as a princess by her family, amid community shock in the rural area.

This tragedy has prompted an ongoing investigation into the cause, with support extended to residents via a local welfare hub.

What Happened in the Hamstreet House Fire?

The fire spread rapidly through the property.

As reported by Sky News staff in “Child dies after ‘intense’ house fire in Kent”, “The ‘intense’ fire spread throughout a semi-detached property in the village of Hamstreet, near Ashford, shortly after midday.”​

ITV News Meridian detailed in “Child dies in Ashford house fire as another child and adult…”: “The blaze broke out in White Admiral Way, in the village of Hamstreet, in Ashford shortly after 12:10pm on Sunday. Firefighters responded to an ‘intense fire’ which had spread throughout the semi-detached property.”​

Who Was the Child That Died and How Has the Family Responded?

Lily Kennedy, aged 13, was the victim.

According to Daily Mirror reporters in “Schoolgirl, 13, who died in Ashford house fire just days…”: “Lily Kennedy, 13, was tragically killed when the blaze swept through her family home near Ashford, Kent, on Sunday lunchtime. The schoolgirl was… In a touching homage, her aunt referred to her as a ‘princess’.”​

KFRS official update confirmed: “Sadly, one child died at the scene.”​

What Injuries Were Sustained by Others?

Multiple hospitalisations occurred.

Sky News noted: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service said another child and an adult were taken to hospital, while three firefighters suffered minor injuries as they tackled the blaze. They also attended hospital and were released later on Sunday.”​

ITV added: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service said three firefighters also suffered minor injuries. They attended hospital and have since been released.”​

SECamb spokesperson, quoted in BBC News “Child dies and another in hospital after Hamstreet house fire”: “Sadly, the efforts everyone involved child died the scene. Another child an adult were taken to hospital. Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected.”​

What Was the Emergency Services’ Response?

Massive deployment quelled the blaze.

KFRS stated in their incident page “Updated: House fire in Hamstreet”: “Control operators sent six fire engines and a height vehicle to the semi-detached property, where crews worked hard to extinguish an intense fire, which had spread throughout the home.”​

Horizon Radio reported: “Six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the scene.”​

By Monday, ITV noted: “As of Monday afternoon, the fire service confirmed it had fully extinguished the fire. ‘Firefighters have extinguished all remaining hotspots… KFRS’s technical rescue unit is in attendance, as well as two fire engines, and crews are working to make the property structurally safe.'”​

Who Is Ann Millington and What Did She Say?

KFRS Chief Executive led tributes.

Ann Millington, quoted across outlets including Sky News: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the child’s loved ones.”​

KFRS update elaborated: “Ann Millington, KFRS’ Chief Executive added: ‘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.'”​

ITV echoed her statement verbatim.​

Where Exactly Did the Fire Occur and What Was the Scene Like?

White Admiral Way, Hamstreet.

BBC specified: “The ‘intense’ blaze on White Admiral Way in Hamstreet, close to Ashford.”​

Yahoo News Canada in “Neighbours desperately tried to put out house fire…”: “The fire engulfed the semi-detached home in Kent just after midday on Sunday… Neighbours desperately tried to put out house fire.”​

KFRS: “By 9pm, two fire engines and crews were still on the scene, working to ‘dampen down’ the property.”​

When Did the Fire Start and How Long Did It Take to Control?

Incident began shortly after 12:10pm Sunday.

ITV: “Firefighters have extinguished all remaining hotspots… as of Monday afternoon.” Dampening continued to 9pm Sunday.​

Why Was a Welfare Hub Set Up?

Community support post-trauma.

KFRS: “Earlier in the day, a welfare hub was set up at Hamstreet Village Hall to offer support to residents. People living in the area were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke, but this was lifted after a few hours.”​

Ann Millington: “Support is available at a welfare hub set up at Hamstreet Village Hall.”​

What Role Did Neighbours Play?

Heroic initial efforts.

Yahoo: “Neighbours desperately tried to put out house fire in which child died.”​

What Is the Status of the Investigation?

Cause undetermined.

Multiple sources including Sky News: “An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.”​

KFRS: “An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently ongoing.”​

How Did SECamb and Kent Police Respond?

Joint operation.

BBC: “In addition to the fire service, responders included teams Kent Police South East Ambulance (Secamb), and the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.”​

What Broader Fire Safety Concerns Does This Raise in Kent?

Intense domestic blazes highlight risks.

Context from festive period: cookers, electrics common causes per patterns.

Has the Community Expressed Reactions?

Distress noted officially.

Ann Millington: “We understand this will be a distressing time for the local community.”​

What Support Is Available Post-Incident?

Welfare and counselling.

Hub at village hall; Volunteer Response Team aided crews.​

Could This Be Linked to Festive Hazards?

Timing post-Christmas.

No cause specified, but December spikes in home fires typical.