More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A man who ran into a burning restaurant to warn employees to get out says he felt he was at the right place at the right time.
Jamie Webster from Brenchley House in Maidstone was one of the first to call the emergency services after Mu Mu in Week Street went up in flames at 2.30am on Wednesday, July 14.
He had only gone outside for a cigarette when he saw smoke billowing from the doors of the restaurant opposite his building, and two people he believes were employees run inside.
The 26-year-old said: "I heard the fire alarm going off but at first I thought it was just the burglar alarm.
"Then two people went running in and the amount of smoke that came out was colossal.
"When they ran in, I went straight after them without thinking because the last thing we needed would be for them to go unconscious from the smoke.
"Fortunately I didn't have to carry them out, they just followed me but they were panicking.
"When we were all out I rang the fire brigade at 2.36am."
Mr Webster has only been living in Maidstone for three weeks but feels it was almost like he was meant to be outside the restaurant that night.
He said: "Only a few weeks ago I was homeless living in a field in Swanley.
"The council gave me a place in Maidstone and my life has been so much better.
"It is unfortunate what happened at Mu Mu, I was just lucky I was there to try to help out in any way that I could.
"The past few months have been hard and to be able to help someone out, I would always do that in a heartbeat."
Fifteen fire engines were sent to the scene, as well as a height vehicle and a command support unit.
At its height, it's estimated around 60 firefighters were in attendance and members of the public were warned to avoid the area.
Crews did not leave the area until 7.40pm.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
An investigation into the root of the blaze by the Kent Fire and Rescue Service found the cause was indeterminate.
The investigation has now concluded, a spokesman for the service confirmed today.
Drone photos have revealed the devastating impact of the fire on the building.
Drag artist Chris Garner, aka Madame Mu Mu, fought back tears as the blaze ripped through the venue.
In a post on the performer's Instagram, the self confessed queen of Kent's county town, described watching the "agony" unfold as the "opportunity and potential" of reopening was ripped away from them on the eve of the venue's return.
The venue has been owned by Ciaran O'Quigley for 29 years and made up of four places – FiFi's Brasserie, cocktail lounge the Laundry Room, cabaret club Mu Mu and Irish pub Nellie Gerkins.
The O'Quigley family described the devastation as "beyond words".
A fundraising page has now been set up to support the business by local residents.
It has so far raised £1,505.
