The Grand Burstin Hotel fire in Folkestone is being treated as suspicious after about 280 people were evacuated from the seaside hotel early Saturday morning.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said 26 fire engines were sent to the hotel at about 01:05 BST. Meanwhile, Kent Police launched an investigation and appealed to witnesses for information about how the fire started.
“Enquiries into the circumstances are under way,” police said.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the building. In addition, firefighters warned that the condition of the structure could raise safety concerns.
Firefighters tackle severe hotel blaze
The fire service said three fire engines and a height vehicle remained at the scene by 20:35. Crews continued firefighting operations and planned to stay overnight to monitor the building.
However, the response had been much larger earlier in the incident. At its height, 26 fire engines attended the scene.
Station manager Lawrence Pater described the fire as “very severe.” As a result, officials were seeking advice from structural inspectors before assessing the full condition of the building.
The fire service said an investigation would establish the cause. At this stage, authorities have not publicly confirmed what caused the blaze.
Guests evacuated from Folkestone hotel
Many guests were forced to leave the Grand Burstin during the early-morning emergency.
Ross Honeycomb, 39, was staying at the hotel with his family. He told the BBC that fire alarms woke them at around 01:00.
He said smoke was pouring from the underground car park. Later, he said they heard explosions as the situation became more serious.
“I have been out barefoot all night,” Honeycomb said.
Another guest, Bill Owen, described the heat around the car park as intense when he returned to the area on Saturday afternoon. He also reported seeing thick black smoke.
Meanwhile, Kevin Crawford, 91, and his wife Kathleen, 82, said they were staying on the sixth floor when they heard the alarm.
The London couple had booked a two-week stay. Although they initially believed firefighters had the blaze under control, they later realised how serious the situation had become.
Kathleen said staff brought them down after they waved from their window.
“We are so lucky to be alive,” she said.
Local businesses help evacuated guests
The evacuation also prompted support from businesses and local authorities.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council established a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park. In addition, officials advised people living nearby to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed.
The Harbour Inn also opened its restaurant to people who had escaped the hotel.
Owner Ben Cuthbert said some evacuees had left their rooms wearing only nightclothes and had no belongings with them.
Therefore, his staff provided somewhere for people to sit, rest and receive support. The restaurant also offered space for paramedics treating people affected by the incident.
One person taken to hospital
South East Coast Ambulance Service assessed several people at the scene.
One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries. So far, authorities have not reported any fatalities linked to the fire.
Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the Grand Burstin, said it was taking immediate steps to protect guests and staff.
The company added that emergency services remained at the hotel and that it was cooperating fully with authorities.
Police appeal for witnesses
Kent Police said officers arrived at about 01:20 to help manage traffic while firefighters dealt with the blaze.
The force is now appealing for witnesses as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Meanwhile, Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran praised the emergency services for their response. She said firefighters acted rapidly and professionally, with saving lives as their priority.
For now, firefighting teams remain focused on the building while investigators work to establish what happened. However, police have not confirmed who may have been responsible or why the fire is being treated as suspicious.
