Pictures show damage to popular club
Drone images show a bar has been reduced to rubble after a devastating fire in a town centre.
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A fire broke out at MuMu in Week Street, Maidstone, at around 2.30am. At its height 60 firefighters were at the blaze at the popular club. Businesses and local people have been reacting to the devastating news. This is how the story unfolded today.
Eight fire engines remain at the scene of a fire in a nightclub and restaurant in Week Street, Maidstone.
Firefighters have been using hose reel jets, main jets and a covering jet to extinguish the fire, which is now under control. Crews are expected to remain in attendance for the rest of the day.
A residents and business helpline has been set up by Kent County Council for anyone who has been affected by this incident. Those who need assistance have been advised to call 0300 041 2424 for further information.
Nikki Waterman heard and saw the fire in the early hours of the morning
Eight fire engines and a height vehicle remain at the scene.
The fire is now under control, and previous advice for people living and working nearby to close windows and doors due to smoke, has been lifted. Members of the public are still being asked to avoid the area where possible, while crews and other agencies work at the scene.
Carla Archenoul, sales assistant at Pets Corner opposite Mu Mu, said: “We’re the only shop open in the cordon because we have a back entrance. Nobody can come in through the front but luckily we have a back door. We found out at about 8.30 what had happened and about the fire and it’s been so chaotic since then. When we got here a policeman filled us in on what had happened and what we can do. We’ve still had customers coming in, which is good for us."
Mu Mu lies in East ward, represented by Cllr David Naghi.
Cllr Naghi said: "It's probably our best night club and restaurant and it's very sad it won't be there for when we get back to normal next week. People are saying on Facebook they had got there hen parties booked there for next and asking what they are going to do."
Kent Police was called at 2.53am on Wednesday 14 July 2021 to a report of a fire at a commercial address in Week Street, Maidstone.
Officers remain in attendance to assist Kent Fire and Rescue Service at the scene and also manage road closures. There are no reported injuries.
Residents and businesses are advised to keep windows and doors closed, due to smoke coming from the fire and members of the public are also asked to avoid the area.
Rickard & Beale funeral directors is just outside the fire cordon in Brewer Street but is looking for somewhere else to work today. An employee from the business said: “We can see all the firefighters working on the roof from our office. We’re lucky we’re just outside the cordon so can carry on working, but we’re seeing if we can carry on here today. It’s absolutely terrible and there’s been fire engines here all morning.”
Kim Howard who owns Trash or Treasure in Maidstone, which is directly next to Mu Mu’s says it is lucky nobody was hurt and it doesn’t look like there’s been any damage to her shop.
She said: “Everyone is safe but the building does adjoin ours and we will not be allowed in to assess any damage until the fire brigade tell us.
“We think we escaped the fire but have to check for any heat or water or smoke damage. We won’t be open today and I have to wait to find out if there’s been any damage.”