Kent: Fire breaks out at former army barracks housing asylum seekers
Written by News on 29/01/2021
A fire has broken out at a former army barracks in Kent where hundreds of asylum seekers have been living.
Footage of Napier Barracks, in Folkestone, shows heavy smoke billowing from the scene and alarms can be heard.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement that the “damage and destruction” at the barracks was “appalling” after the fire.
She added that this “type of action will not be tolerated” and the Home Office will “support the police to take out robust action against those vandalising property, threatening staff and putting lives at risk”.
It is not clear which vandals the home secretary is referring to, but the fire has come a day after protesters were seen throwing buckets of fake blood over an entrance to the site.
The demonstrators were also holding placards calling for the barracks to close.
More than 18,000 people have signed a petition to shut down the barracks due to the conditions inside.
Migrant charity Care4Calais said: “A fire has broken out and fire engines have been called to Napier Barracks in Folkestone following an upsetting afternoon for the residents.”
Eight fire engines have been sent to the scene along with police officers, the fire service confirmed.
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “People living and working in the surrounding area are advised to close their windows and doors as a precaution, due to smoke coming from the incident.”
Around 400 asylum seekers live at the military site, but there are concerns over welfare after 120 people tested positive for COVID-19.
(c) Sky News 2021: Kent: Fire breaks out at former army barracks housing asylum seekers
