Tractor Fire Causes Significant Delays on A2 London-Bound Near Gravesend

Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to a tractor fire on the A2 London-bound near Singlewell in Gravesend on Monday, 23 February 2026. The incident prompted a full emergency response involving firefighters, Kent Police, National Highways traffic officers, and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).

Firefighting crews attended the scene wearing breathing apparatus and deployed high-pressure hose reel jets and a compressed air foam system (CAFS) to tackle the blaze. Three fire engines, a bulk water carrier, and a technical rescue unit were mobilised to the incident. The London-bound carriageway was closed whilst operations were underway to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and road users.

According to updates issued throughout the afternoon, no injuries were reported at the scene. One individual was checked over by paramedics as a precaution. Firefighting operations were declared complete later in the day, with the final incident report confirming the successful resolution of the emergency.

The closure of the London-bound A2 resulted in significant disruption to traffic travelling in the area. Motorists were advised to expect substantial delays and directed to check live traffic updates before travelling towards Singlewell and Gravesend. National Highways traffic officers remained on site to manage congestion and assist with route diversions.

The incident demonstrated coordinated working between emergency services and infrastructure management partners. Kent Police managed scene security, SECAmb provided medical cover, and National Highways monitored traffic flow during the emergency response. The technical rescue unit’s support further highlighted the specialist capabilities deployed for complex incidents on major routes.

Key Takeaways

• A tractor caught fire on the A2 London-bound near Singlewell, Gravesend on Monday, 23 February 2026
• Three fire engines, a bulk water carrier, and technical rescue unit responded to the incident
• No injuries were reported, though one person received precautionary medical assessment
• The London-bound carriageway was closed during firefighting operations, causing traffic delays
• Emergency services successfully extinguished the blaze and completed operations by mid-afternoon

What This Means for Kent Residents

Travellers using the A2 corridor between Gravesend and London should remain aware of potential residual traffic congestion in the Singlewell area. Motorists are encouraged to plan journeys accordingly and use live traffic monitoring services when travelling through busy routes. Should you have witnessed the incident or have additional information, Kent Fire and Rescue Service can be contacted through official channels.