An art block at a Rainham school was severely damaged by fire on Tuesday evening.

Around 20 firefighters used breathing apparatus to tackle a fire at the Howard School in Derwent Way.

The fire broke out in the roof space of the science and art blocks at about 6.50pm.

Crews from Medway, Chatham, Gillingham, and Rainham, along with a command unit vehicle were sent to the scene to douse down the flames.

It is thought heat from a torch used earlier in the day to put a new felt roof on the building may have been the cause.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The fire had started in the roof of the single story building and was well established when crews arrived.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter the building and put out the flames.

The fire was extinguished by 9.15pm.

Margaret Rhodes, the school’s business manager, added: “The boys’ education will not be disrupted and time tables have been adjusted to ensure the pupils can all be accommodated in other buildings.

“No pupils have been sent home.

“Workmen had been putting felt on the roof of the science and art block using a heated torch which heats up the felt and causes it to stick to the roof.

“The workman finished at 3pm and waited for an hour to ensure the works had cooled down.

“At 6pm the caretaker went to lock up and noticed smoke and called the fire brigade.

“There has been substantial damage caused to the building, however this appear to be mostly water damage in the art room areas.”

Loss adjusters will assess the damage later today.