Fire at UK Hotel Previously Used for Migrants Treated as Suspicious

A fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, which led to the evacuation of approximately 280 guests in the early hours of Saturday, is being treated as suspicious by police. The blaze, which broke out around 1:05 a.m., prompted a large response from emergency services, with 26 fire engines dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control, which is believed to have started in the basement of the Britannia Hotels-owned building. No fire-related injuries have been reported. A welfare center was established at Three Hills Sports Park by Folkestone and Hythe District Council to support those affected by the evacuation. Guests described being woken by alarms and having to leave the building quickly in cold conditions.

The Grand Burstin Hotel has a history of housing asylum seekers. In 2014, it accommodated around 130 asylum seekers for a short period, a decision that drew criticism at the time from local officials who sought assurances about the temporary nature of the arrangement. In 2019, the hotel again housed asylum seekers as an emergency measure due to extenuating circumstances. The hotel currently operates as a commercial establishment open to the public.

Police are appealing for witnesses as their inquiries into the cause of the fire continue. Nearby residents were advised to close windows and doors and avoid the area while emergency services managed the incident. Road closures were in place around the hotel.

A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group confirmed the incident and stated they are cooperating fully with authorities. The Home Office commented on border security and the reduction in illegal crossings, but did not directly address the hotel fire.