Historic model boat destroyed after possible arson attack

Kent Fire and Rescue service tackled a fire at Ramsgate’s Maritime Museum in East Crosswall on Tuesday afternoon.

Four fire engines fought the blaze, as crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using a fog spike, ventilation fan and hose reel jets, prevented any further damage.

Kent Fire and Rescue service announced there were no injuries and that the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

Four fire engines were sent to a fire in a #Ramsgate museum yesterday evening & crews worked to prevent fire spread & reduce smoke damage.
Firefighters have praised museum staff for having closed internal doors, which helped to protect the building. More: https://t.co/qnMY9klEAO pic.twitter.com/u0Ad8po9f6

— Kent Fire and Rescue Service (@kentfirerescue) November 24, 2021

Firefighters commended museum staff for protecting other sections of the building by closing the internal doors.

The Ramsgate Society posted on facebook that they were: “Sad to report that yesterday evening there was a fire at the Maritime Museum but fortunately the damage was confined to the container and the main building was unaffected.

“One of the model boats in the container was completely destroyed but most have survived.”

The fire crews put out the fire at just after 5.30pm.

Chair of The Ramsgate Society, John Walker is set to update volunteers at the museum of the extent of the damage over the next few days.

He praised the crew on facebook, saying: “The fire brigade were brilliant and thanks to their rapid response the situation was quickly under control.”

The Museum celebrates the history of the region’s maritime past with four galleries of exhibits showing the development of the Harbour, Navigation, Fishing, Lifeboats and Shipwrecks.

It is operated by the Steam Museum Trust Ltd. and registered with the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council No. 1424.