Pictures taken as part of an investigation into a devastating inferno at a historic Kent business reveal the extent of the destruction caused.
Firefighters spent 31 hours tirelessly tackling the blaze and billowing black smoke at K Laundry Ltd, In Northwood Road, Ramsgate.
Pictures show the damage caused by a fire to K Laundry in Northwood Road, Ramsgate. Picture: Kent Fire and Rescue Service
Dramatic footage taken at the time showed flames pouring from the building as 12 fire engines were scrambled to the scene.
It can be revealed a probe into the blaze on July 23 was shelved as the severity of damage across the site meant the cause could not be identified.
The investigation findings and new pictures of the damage caused have been obtained by KentOnline via a Freedom of Information request.
“Crews attended a large well-developed fire at a building used as a commercial laundry,” the fire service states.
“Crews contained the fire to the footprint of the building.
Another photograph taken as part of the investigation. Picture: Kent Fire and Rescue Service
“The main building and attached offices were 100% damaged by fire.”
The fire service says an investigation was conducted at the scene and discussions were had with a forensic scientist.
“Due to the large scale of damage and structural instability, limited scene excavation was possible,” the report says.
“Both parties agreed lack of substantial evidence provided an indeterminate outcome as to the cause and origin of the fire.”
There were three possible causes of the fire but there was insufficient evidence to disprove or confirm them.
K Laundry in Northwood Road, Ramsgate, was engulfed by flames last year. Picture: Sara Parnell
When the fire service was pushed for further information about these, a spokesperson said: “No further detail has been recorded as these were simply working hypotheses during the fire scene investigation.”
Police found no evidence to suggest third-party involvement after an investigation.
It is understood the probe was filed pending further information coming to light.
K Laundry Ltd, a commercial laundry and linen hire specialist, was established in 1928.
It was sold by Clive Jones – whose grandparents created the firm – to Crawley-based corporate finance specialists Watersheds in 2022.
An investigation into a fire at K Laundry in Northwood Road, Ramsgate, has been shelved. Picture: Sara Parnell
Originally serving the domestic market, K Laundry later moved into the commercial sector as domestic washing machines became more prevalent.
It served the town’s hotels and guest houses, before expanding into laundry and linen hire for hospitality, private schools and manufacturers.