Residents Evacuated Near Folkestone Hotel After Fire, Structural Concerns Raised

Residents living in the vicinity of Folkestone's Grand Burstin Hotel have been evacuated due to concerns that a recent blaze may have compromised the building's structural integrity. Council officials are working to provide alternative housing for those affected while the hotel undergoes further safety assessments.

The fire, which began in the hotel's basement early Saturday morning, prompted the deployment of 26 fire engines. By Sunday morning, one fire engine remained on scene to monitor for any remaining hotspots. Station manager Lawrence Pater noted that the "very severe" fire raised significant concerns about the structural integrity of the building, prompting the fire service to seek advice from inspectors.

Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the Grand Burstin, stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by Kent Police and is providing any necessary assistance. The safety and well-being of guests and staff remain the company's priority.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council established a welfare center at the Three Hills Sports Park to support the evacuated hotel guests. Local businesses, including The Harbour Inn, also offered assistance. The council's chief executive, Susan Priest, commended the community's support, highlighting the efforts of organizations like Three Hills, Morrisons, and the Salvation Army in providing food and hot drinks.

Guests staying at the hotel described being woken by fire alarms around 1 a.m. One guest, Ross Honeycomb, recounted being woken by the alarms and seeing smoke billowing from the underground car park, later hearing explosions. Another guest, Kevin Crawford, and his wife, who were on their sixth floor, initially thought the fire brigade had the situation under control but later realized the severity of the blaze.