Work has started to remove asbestos-contaminated items from a row of fire-ravaged homes.

The six properties in Rose Street, Northfleet, were gutted in a blaze in August last year and have been sealed off ever since.

The damage was inspected in September by Gravesham council’s planned and major work manager, health and safety consultant, structural engineer and asbestos removal specialist and a plan to clear the houses was agreed.

It was decided that the previous occupants could not return to retrieve belongings due to the asbestos and “extremely hazardous” condition of the buildings.

A council spokesman said: “Our asbestos removal specialist believes it is very unlikely anything will be salvageable as most of the ceilings, which had previously been identified as having textured coatings that contained asbestos, had fallen in causing widespread contamination, and that all items within the properties should be removed and disposed of as asbestos waste.

“While there is a possibility that there may be impervious, cleanable items with financial or sentimental value that in time could be cleaned and made safe, our asbestos contractor has confirmed that in reality, it is very unlikely anything will be salvageable.

“Tenants and residents were made aware at the time and they provided a list of items for the contractors to look out for.

“Currently, there are specialist workmen on site going through contaminated waste to find and salvage tenants’ belongings if possible.

“This is a time-consuming process which we expect to be completed by the end of January.”

There are two types of skips outside the properties - one is lockable for contaminated waste and another for non-contaminated waste.

It has been confirmed no contaminated waste has yet been disposed of as contractors continue to search through the residents’ belongings.

The rubbish which has been disposed of is mainly roof tiles and burnt roof timbers.

Firefighters spent eight hours tackling the flames on August 21, 2023, as the blaze, which started in one home, spread one by one along the row of terraced houses.

At the height of the fire, 10 engines, a height vehicle and a command support unit were there. The flames were out by 1am but crews did not leave until 2.50pm the following day.

Speaking to KentOnline, residents previously told of the moment they knew their homes were on fire as smoke was seen billowing across the town.

Rosemarie Read was one of the people whose home caught alight.

She said she was standing in her kitchen when she saw smoke come past the window and thought someone was having a barbecue.

The 68-year-old added: “I came out and it was thick with smoke. We could not see crossing the road. It just took hold.

“As the fire crew managed to calm one of the houses down and move to the next, it would start again in the first. It was just reigniting and reigniting. It was very frightening.

“I went back inside this morning with the firefighters to get my phone. To say the least, nothing is salvageable. I have lost it all, precious photos, my son has lost all his stuff. It is just so disheartening.”

The cause was believed to be accidental and no injuries were reported.