A spokesman for Kent Fire Service said three appliances were called to the scene of the blaze on Sittingbourne Industrial Estate on the evening of 26 June.

The fire quickly spread from three rubbish bins adjacent to the firm's premises, causing extensive damage.
Atlantic Print director Paul Wood said that had the fire gone on for a further five or 10 minutes, then the whole business would have been lost.

"We were lucky. By 12 noon the following day we were back printing and finishing."

Wood said the firm's computer and repro room were completely gutted by the blaze, which has led to Atlantic sub-contracting its repro work.

Atlantic is now in discussions with loss adjusters to replace the equipment destroyed, which included a number of computers.
"It's been an expensive inconvenience," said Wood.

The Fire Brigade spokesman said he was still awaiting a report from the service's own investigators on the cause of the blaze Atlantic Print employs 16 staff and produces magazines and business publications.

Story by Andy Scott