Grand Burstin Hotel fire concerns have forced about 90 residents from nearby homes in Folkestone after inspectors warned that the intense basement blaze may have weakened the building’s structure.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council moved residents from Pavilion Court on Marine Terrace on Saturday evening. The council said it was arranging alternative accommodation while safety assessments continue.
The move came hours after a major fire broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel on Marine Parade. Around 280 guests and staff were evacuated from the hotel during the emergency.
Fire Causes Structural Safety Concerns
Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent 26 fire engines to the hotel after the blaze was reported shortly after 01:00 BST on Saturday.
Fire crews believe the fire started in the basement. The operation later ended, and authorities handed the scene over to Kent Police.
The scale of the fire raised concerns about the hotel’s structural integrity. As a result, safety inspectors assessed the surrounding area before the council ordered the evacuation of Pavilion Court residents.
The council said its housing team was working to find longer-term accommodation for those affected. In the meantime, residents were placed in hotel accommodation in the town.
Police Treat Hotel Fire as Suspicious
Kent Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze and are treating the fire as suspicious.
Officers have appealed for witnesses, CCTV and other footage that could help establish what happened before the fire. Current reports say investigators believe the blaze may have been started deliberately.
However, police have not publicly established who may have been responsible or why the fire started.
The investigation will continue alongside safety assessments at the damaged hotel.
Hotel Operator Cooperates With Investigation
Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the Grand Burstin, said it was cooperating with Kent Police.
The company also said it remained in contact with the relevant authorities. It added that the safety and wellbeing of guests and staff remained its priority.
Meanwhile, the council has continued supporting people displaced by the fire.
A welfare centre was established at Three Hills Sports Park for people evacuated from the hotel. Other local organisations and businesses also provided food, drinks and other assistance.
Residents Face Uncertain Return
The evacuation has left nearby residents unsure when they can return home.
John Dighton, who lives at Pavilion Court, told the BBC that he was asked to leave his flat on Saturday evening. He said residents had taken enough belongings to manage for a few days but did not know how long they would remain away.
Hotel guests also described a frightening night.
Ross Honeycomb said his family was staying at the Grand Burstin when fire alarms woke them. He recalled seeing smoke coming from the underground car park before hearing explosions.
Kevin Crawford, 91, and his wife Kathleen, 82, were also staying at the hotel when the alarm sounded. The couple had booked a two-week stay and said they initially believed firefighters had the situation under control.
For now, residents must wait for further structural assessments. The council says it will continue arranging accommodation while work takes place to determine when the affected buildings can safely be occupied.
