Residents near fire-hit hotel evacuated over fears blaze 'weakened' building
Residents near the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone were evacuated due to safety concerns that a severe basement fire had compromised the building's structural integrity. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, prompted the evacuation of approximately 280 hotel guests and 90 nearby residents from Pavilion Court. Kent Police are treating the incident as suspicious and have appealed for witnesses while the hotel operator cooperates with the ongoing investigation.
- ▪Kent Police are treating the fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel as suspicious and have appealed for witnesses.
- ▪Approximately 280 people were evacuated from the hotel, and an additional 90 residents from nearby Pavilion Court were relocated due to structural safety fears.
- ▪The fire started in the basement of the property at approximately 01:05 BST on Saturday, requiring the deployment of 26 fire engines.
- ▪Folkestone and Hythe District Council established a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park to support the displaced individuals.
- ▪Britannia Hotels Group stated that it is fully cooperating with Kent Police and prioritizing the safety of its guests and staff.
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| Publication time | Sun, 20 Sep 2026 09:57:01 GMT |
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Homes evacuated over fire-damaged hotel safety fearsImage source, Juliette FeltonImage caption, Kent Police said the fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel was being treated as suspiciousByPatrick BarlowSouth EastPublished6 minutes agoResidents living near to a fire-damaged seaside hotel in Folkestone have been evacuated over safety fears that the intensity of the basement blaze "weakened" the building's structure, the council has said.The blaze broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Marine Parade in the early hours of Saturday, with about 280 people evacuated.Folkestone and Hythe District Council said 90 people were relocated from Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace following concerns raised by safety inspectors.Kent Police said the blaze was being treated as suspicious and has appealed for…
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