A devastating fire inside a huge shared home claimed the life of a much-loved busker while some believed the building had been fully evacuated.

When firefighters arrived at the blaze at the large property in Salters Lane, Faversham, in the early hours of August 10, it was understood all residents had made it outside, a court heard.

But crews sent inside to search the building discovered 44-year-old James Ronayne lifeless and unresponsive inside a corridor.

Mr Ronayne, a talented musician known as Punky Jim or Jimmy, was pulled from the 23-bedroom home – known as Mill House – and given CPR.

The fire service says it received calls at about 00:18hrs, then found out about persons being reported within the building by 00:24hrs.

A spokesperson told KentOnline tonight it increased the number of fire engines based on the property type and description of the fire.

They added: “The 'persons reported' message was 'broadcast' to all attending crews by 00:32hrs.”

An inquest opening held at Maidstone’s Oakwood House on Friday (December 27) heard Mr Ronayne was unable to be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coroner Catherine Wood said: “There were multiple calls made to Kent Fire and Rescue Service by residents of Mill House stating there was a fire.

“Fire crews arrived and police patrols came across the incident.

“One person from the downstairs of the property stated their e-scooter started buzzing and then set on fire.

“It was believed all residents had left the property.”

At its height, 10 engines, a command support unit, and a height vehicle were dispatched after the blaze broke out at 12.18am.

The court was told how, when firefighters entered the building, they found Mr Ronayne lying in the corridor.

But the intense heat forced them to leave and send in a second team, which pulled him from the property.

Crews administered CPR at 12.50am but Mr Ronayne was unresponsive.

Coroner Wood gave carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of his death during Friday’s hearing.

Speaking after the inquest opening, a fire service spokesman said: “On arrival, the fire was fully developed and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, began firefighting and search procedures.

“Conditions were very intense, and a second additional crew, also wearing breathing apparatus, were deployed and were able to bring the casualty safely outside.

“Crews carried out CPR until the arrival of paramedics.

"Sadly, due to the severity of the fire, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

A former pupil of the Chaucer School in Canterbury, Mr Ronayne was well-known for busking all over Kent, though he had hoped to swap performing on the streets for a full-time music career.

He was inspired by bands such as Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains but had an eclectic taste when it came to what he listened to at home – everything from Bob Dylan to classical tunes.

After the tragic blaze, his sister Samantha paid tribute, writing: “The tragic house fire on Salters Lane did result in the loss of my extremely loved brother, James Ronayne.

“Some of you know him as Punky Jim or Jimmy.

“As you can imagine, as a family we are grieving, this is not the kind of news you expect to wake up to.

“His loss has left Faversham speechless. He was such a well-loved person, such an amazing character.”

Mr Ronayne’s younger brother Brandon said: “James was always happy, always up for a joke [and] was someone who saw the good in everyone - and who had time for everyone.

"Pretty much everyone in Faversham knew him - because of his busking but also because of who he was.

"He stood up for what he believed in and he went after what he wanted in life.”

A fundraiser to cover funeral costs raised more than £2,300.

Many residents also paid their respects to the popular busker.

Swale borough and Faversham town councillor Hannah Perkin said: “I'm so sorry. Jim was a really sound guy and friend to loads of people in Faversham. Sending thoughts to you and your family.”

On August 30, a 53-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing arson but released without charge.