A family has “lost everything” after a huge blaze at their home prompted a huge emergency response.
Seven fire engines were called to Winstanley Road in Sheerness on Sunday after flames tore through the Cadmans’s house at around 4.20pm.
Seven fire engines were sent to Winstanley Road in Sheerness. Picture: Ldn Drone
Since the blaze, locals have donated clothes and toys to the family, as well as a fundraiser being set up.
Mum Keah Cadman told KentOnline that they had no idea how it happened and were shocked when they received the call from their neighbours.
She and partner Jamie, along with their two boys, Joseph and Ronnie, were out at an Easter egg hunt at the time.
“We were at my friend’s, and then my neighbours rang me to say that my house was basically gone,” Keah explained.
“It was just so quick. The boys have lost all the childhood things that they’ve had since the first day they were born.
“They both have additional needs and were very unsettled last night.
Dad Jamie and mum Keah Cadman with their two boys, Joseph and Ronnie. Picture: Keah Cadman
“My friend has managed to find a duplicate of their teddy and their blanket.”
Crews were called at around 4.22pm yesterday (April 5) following reports of a fire at a property.
At the time, police blocked off the terraced residential road to traffic.
It is understood that Trinity Road was also shut.
Jamie had left the home around 10 minutes earlier to check on their dog, Roxy, a five-year-old Rottweiler.
The residential terraced road was shut off to traffic. Picture: Ldn Drone
Keah said: “She’s a very clever dog and can open and shut back doors.
“So, she’s managed to open my top window and get herself out. She’s hurt, but she’s alive.
“Everyone then went out trying to find her.”
Roxy has since been seen by specialists at the PDSA, given medication and is being monitored.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Seven fire engines attended, and crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames using hose reel jets and main jets.
Roxy, a five-year-old Rottweiler, was injured but luckily survived. Picture: Keah Cadman
“SECAmb and Kent Police were also in attendance and assisted with evacuating nearby properties as a precaution.
“The KFRS Volunteer Response Team was at the scene to support any affected residents.
“There were no reported injuries, and the cause is not yet known.”
By 8pm, fire crews had left the scene.
The blaze has completely ripped through the home, destroying Jamie’s sentimental belongings from his grandad, as well as presents for the boys’ upcoming birthdays, which were bought just two days ago.
The cause is not yet known. Picture: Ldn Drone
Both the neighbouring properties have been damaged.
Since the incident, local organisations and residents across the Island have started collecting clothing, toys and dog supplies.
A GoFundMe page has been launched by friend, Steph Foreman, which is currently raising emergency donations.
If you’d like to contribute, please click here.
The family is currently staying at Keah’s sister’s house while they get back on their feet.
She added: “We are all very tired. It’s horrible. Everyone has come together, though.
“I know quite a few people through friends and school, but you don’t realise until something like this actually happens to you, how many people are actually there to support you.
“I don’t expect anything; this is more than I could even ask for. It will help with even the simple things like food shopping.”
Both the ambulance service and police have been contacted for more information.