Dozens of residents were evacuated from more than 40 flats after a blaze broke out at Conqueror House in Crabble Hill, Dover just after 1am on Easter Sunday.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), who had sent 12 fire engines and two height vehicles at the peak of the blaze, said on Monday morning that the fire had been extinguished. Less than four days later a KMBF emergency grant of £1,000 was transferred to the local Dover Freemasons, who are assisting the displaced residents with urgent support.
The landlord of Conqueror House said it had arranged hotel stays for all those who needed immediate help and would explore short and medium-term housing options, but stressed it was impossible to say when residents would be able to return to their homes. However, Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills said: “The important thing is now to get some sort of stability back into people’s lives.”
After hearing the devastating news and to assist the rapid response put into action by Dover District Council, who had set up an emergency centre where the Salvation Army and Red Cross provided urgent support, Gerry Stupple of Dover & Cinque Ports Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners and the local Group Chairman for the Masonic Province of East Kent immediately contacted the Craft Provincial Almoner and others, including the KMBF to see what coordinated assistance could be provided.
Upon authorising the rapid transfer of funds Fred Brown, KMBF Chair of Trustees, commented; “We are very happy to support the work of Gerry and the other stakeholders in ensuring that funds are available not only now, but in the future.” Adding that, “As Gerry told us, when these poor people return to their homes, which may be some time yet, there will be a decent fund that can help provide them with some of the essentials they have tragically lost.”