Aspens can confirm that a fire occurred at one of our residential properties on our site in Cornford Lane, Pembury, Kent, on Friday, 5 June at approximately 14:50. The fire brigade was called immediately and arrived within 15 minutes. Fire crews remained on site until around 17:30 to ensure the situation was fully under control.

Aspens provides care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities. On our Pembury site, we offer residential care, supported living, Positive Behaviour Support and Day Opportunities for adults, all underpinned by our charity's mission to provide high‑quality care and support that empowers individuals to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South‑East.

As soon as the fire alarm sounded, all individuals supported by Aspens and all staff members were evacuated swiftly and safely. We are relieved to report that there were no injuries or fatalities as a result of the incident.

The property has sustained significant damage and will remain uninhabited while repairs and safety assessments are carried out. The building is currently unsafe to enter, and no one should attempt to access it until formal confirmation is given that it is safe to do so.

All individuals who live in the affected property have been moved to alternative accommodation, where they continue to receive dedicated care and support from the Aspens team.

Robert Shanahan, CEO of Aspens, said:
“I am incredibly proud of how calmly and effectively everyone responded to this emergency. Our staff acted with professionalism, compassion and remarkable teamwork to ensure the safety of the people we support and their colleagues. The way everyone has pulled together since, from staff across our services stepping in to help, to the team organising a lasagne night to lift the spirits of those affected, truly reflects the heart of Aspens.

We will be offering counselling and support to anyone who has been impacted. I would also like to thank the fire brigade for their swift response and their tremendous efforts on the day, and to acknowledge the fire commander, who commented on how impressed he was with how well our staff managed the situation.”

Aspens will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and keep families and stakeholders updated as further information becomes available.

If you require any further information, please contact our team at [email protected].