Suspicious Fire Erupts at Folkestone Hotel, Evacuating 280 Guests
Police are investigating a blaze at the Grand Burstin Hotel, which has previously housed migrants, as suspicious.
Police are treating a fire that broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone as suspicious after approximately 280 guests were evacuated in the early hours of Saturday morning. The blaze reportedly started in the hotel's basement around 1:05 a.m.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service dispatched 26 fire engines to the scene to combat the flames. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked to bring the fire under control and damp down remaining hotspots. No fire-related injuries have been reported.
Residents in the vicinity were advised to close windows and doors as a precaution. A welfare center was established at Three Hills Sports Park by Folkestone and Hythe District Council for those affected by the incident.
One guest described being awakened by the fire alarm and having to evacuate the building quickly. Ben Cuthbert, who runs a nearby pub, opened his establishment to provide warmth and refuge for some of the evacuated guests, describing the initial scene as chaotic with paramedics treating individuals for smoke inhalation and other injuries.
Jeff Gardner, a tourist staying at the hotel, reported hearing what he believed to be explosions and observed gray smoke turning black as he exited the building. Many guests evacuated in their sleepwear, with some losing personal belongings.
Previous Migrant Housing
The Grand Burstin Hotel has a history of being used to house asylum seekers. In 2014, it accommodated around 130 asylum seekers to alleviate overcrowding in a south London hotel. At the time, local officials sought assurances that the arrangement would be temporary, with the Home Office stating migrants would stay for no more than two weeks.
In 2019, the hotel again housed 59 asylum seekers as an emergency measure. Folkestone and Hythe District Council described this as a one-off situation due to extenuating circumstances.
The hotel currently operates as a commercial establishment open to the public. Britannia Hotels Group confirmed the incident and stated they are cooperating fully with authorities to support those affected.
Kent Police are appealing for witnesses as their investigation into the cause of the fire continues. A spokesperson for the force stated that inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it is being treated as suspicious.