A sudden fire on May 18 tore through Jess and Johnny Kosma‑Whitty’s ground‑floor maisonette in Hatton Close, Northfleet, Kent, leaving the newlywed couple homeless and their home a burnt‑out shell. the blaze,believed to have been triggered by an electrical fault in a kitchen extension lead, forced the couple to flee with only their clothes and a few salvaged items.

May 18 Blaze Leaves Kent Home in Smouldering Ruins

According to the report, four fire engines arrived shortly after 5.30am on May 18 to extinguish the flames and clear the property of smoke. Firefighters used hose reel jets and high‑pressure fans, while a volunteer response team also attended the scene.. the cause of the fire is believed to be linked to an electrical fault with an extension lead in the kitchen, as the couple reported .

Jess and Johnny’s Home: From Renovation Dream to Empty Shell

The Kosma‑Whitty coule moved into the maisonette around a year and a half ago after renovating it themselves. They had poured hard work and money into making the space their own, hoping to relax and plan a future together. The fire has turned that dream into a nightmare, leaving them with a structurally safe but empty building that requires stripping back walls and ceilings.

Living on an Airbed While Mortgage Bills Continue

With the house deemed safe by structural engineers, the couple are currently sleeping on an airbed at Jess’s parents’ home nearby. They are still paying their mortgage and facing thousands of pounds in repair costs, compounded by the fact that they had not renewed their home insurance, leaving them uncovered for the damage.

Extension Lead Warnings: What the Fire Service Advises Homeowners

The fire service is urging people to avoid using extension leads, especially when multiple appliances are involved . It warns that appliances using more than 13 amps or 3,000 watts should never be plugged into an extension lead, and that adaptors should never be plugged into one another to reduce fire risk.

Who is the Unnamed Buyer? (Open Question)

While the source details the couple’s ordeal, it does not disclose whether any insurance company or third‑party has stepped in to assist. The lack of coverage and the financial burden raise questions about the next steps for the Kosma‑Whitty family.