On the afternoon of February 14, 2026, a massive blaze erupted at the derelict former Odeon cinema on St George’s Place in Canterbury, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing across the city’s skyline and prompting a swift, large-scale emergency response. The fire, which broke out just after 2:00 PM, quickly drew more than 60 firefighters to the scene, with Kent Fire and Rescue Service deploying up to 15 fire engines and two height vehicles at the peak of the operation, according to multiple local news reports and statements from the fire service.
Residents and business owners in the heart of Canterbury were rattled as the fire raged through the historic cinema building, which first opened its doors in 1933 but has stood empty since March 2020, following its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic. Witnesses described seeing emergency vehicles—fire engines, ambulances, and police cars—arriving within minutes of the alarm being raised. One local business employee told KentOnline, “It’s been completely shut. We are fine as we are further away, but nobody can make it to the shops around here right now. We first found out about it at about 2.30pm, as one of our customers shouted ‘there’s a fire.’”
As flames engulfed the derelict structure, Kent Fire and Rescue Service issued urgent advice to people living or traveling near St George’s Place to “please close windows and doors due to smoke coming from a fire at a derelict building.” This message was repeated throughout the day and into the evening, with the fire service emphasizing the importance of sharing the information with loved ones who might not have access to the internet. By 6:30 PM, the service reiterated, “The earlier advice for people living or travelling near St George’s Place in Canterbury to keep windows and doors closed remains in place following a fire at a derelict building.”
The scale of the response was matched by the disruption to daily life in Canterbury. Students living in nearby accommodation and several businesses close to the scene were evacuated as a precaution. Canterbury City Council led the evacuation efforts and quickly set up a welfare center to support those displaced by the incident. A fire service spokesperson noted, “Crews are also working closely with local businesses to help minimise disruption.”
Road closures exacerbated the chaos, with parts of St George’s Place and Dover Street remaining shut well into the following day. Police blocked part of St George’s Place at the junction with Lower Chantry Lane, while the A2050 New Dover Road was closed in both directions between the A28 Upper Bridge Street and Edward Road—key arteries for anyone traveling through the city center. The fire service and local authorities warned travelers to expect significant delays and diversions, with one official advising, “A road nearby is also closed, so please expect heavier traffic than usual.” Some roads, such as the A2050, were reopened after the immediate danger had passed, but others remained closed on Sunday as crews continued to manage the aftermath.
The firefighting effort itself was a test of endurance and coordination. Crews battled the flames for more than five hours, using hose reel jets to tackle the seats of fire and large fans to ventilate the smoke-filled building. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to protect themselves against the hazardous conditions. A volunteer response team was also present to provide welfare support to the exhausted crews, highlighting the challenging and potentially dangerous nature of the operation.
By 11:00 PM on Saturday, the fire service began to scale back its response, reducing the number of fire engines on site from 15 to 10. However, the incident was far from over. Through the night and into the morning of February 15, firefighters remained on scene, damping down hotspots and ensuring the blaze was fully extinguished. By 11:30 AM Sunday, two fire engines and two height vehicles were still stationed at the site, with a fire service spokesperson reporting, “There is minimal smoke now, however we still advise people living or travelling around St George’s Place in Canterbury to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.”
The cause of the fire remains a mystery. As of the morning of February 15, authorities had not yet determined what sparked the blaze. The incident has drawn particular attention given the building’s history: in March 2024, two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson following a previous fire at the same derelict cinema, though there is no indication at this stage that the latest fire is being treated as suspicious. The Kent Fire and Rescue Service and local police have both stated that investigations are ongoing, and the ambulance service has been contacted for more information.
For the students and business owners evacuated from the area, the fire was a stark reminder of the risks posed by neglected urban buildings. The former Odeon, once a bustling hub of entertainment, has become a symbol of the challenges facing many British city centers in the wake of the pandemic. Its closure in March 2020, a casualty of Covid-19’s impact on the arts and leisure industries, left a prominent space empty and, as this week’s events demonstrate, vulnerable to further incidents.
Community concern for those affected by the fire was palpable. On the Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s official Facebook page, one local resident commented late Saturday night, “The smoke is still so strong. I hope the fire fighters are OK and that the local small businesses are OK.” The sentiment was echoed by city officials, who emphasized the importance of supporting those displaced and minimizing disruption to local commerce.
As Canterbury recovers from this dramatic episode, attention now turns to the future of the former Odeon site. Will this latest fire prompt renewed efforts to redevelop or secure the derelict building? Or will it serve as a cautionary tale about the need for vigilance and investment in the city’s aging infrastructure? For now, firefighters remain watchful over the smoldering remains, residents keep their windows closed against the lingering smoke, and a community waits for answers—and, perhaps, a new beginning for a once-beloved landmark.