Two suspects have been arrested after an iconic hotel was ravaged by fire – as a council warns the building is “at risk of collapse”.
Police arrested a 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman yesterday, both from the local area, in connection with the fire at the Grand Burstin in Folkestone in the early hours of Saturday.
Firefighters attending The Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone on September 19, 2026 as people gather. Picture: Dave Hennessy
They have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Meanwhile, an emergency prohibition order has been issued to a block of flats due to the “imminent risk of serious harm” amid fears the hotel could crumble.
No one is allowed to enter Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace until the seafront hotel is either demolished or made structurally sound.
Residents were first evacuated from the flat block on Saturday evening.
The notice on the front of the building reads: “The risk of collapse of the adjacent fire-damaged building at The Grand Burstin Hotel, which presents an imminent risk of serious harm to the health and safety of occupants and other persons in or around the premises.
“This order will not be revoked until the council is satisfied that the structural stabilisation or demolition of the adjoining property at The Grand Burstin Hotel such that it no longer presents a collapse hazard to the specified premises.”
The notice, from Folkestone and Hythe District Council, adds that no one is allowed to enter, reside in or use the building, which is understood to be home to about 90 people.
The order takes immediate effect, and anyone who contravenes it could be fined.
Engineers and building inspectors are on site conducting structural assessments today.
One of the residents of Pavilion Court, Dan Simpson, has been housed in a hotel by the council, which he says has been very helpful in the emergency situation.
An emergency prohibition order has been imposed on Pavilion Court, near The Grand Burstin Hotel. Picture: Dan Simpson
He told KentOnline: “It’s a case of ‘how long is this going to go on for?’.
“The notice does not bode very well. I haven’t spoken to my landlord in regards to rent yet.
“My expenses are going to go up, because being in a hotel, I can’t exactly cook, so I’m going to be eating out more.
“I’m obese, as it is, and having to eat junk food, and eating out isn’t going to help either.”
The 43-year-old taxi driver got home from work on Saturday to find he was not allowed to stay in his flat, and only allowed to collect a few clothes with an escort.
Burnt cars have been pictured outside the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone after a fire
He has also had to find a friend to care for his cat, as he does not want to have to move the timid animal from hotels to temporary accommodation.
Both the housing block and the empty Burstin are being patrolled by security teams.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council chief executive Susan Priest said: “There has been a huge amount of work carried out since the early hours of Saturday, through Sunday and today.
“Our emergency services, partners and council staff have been a real credit to themselves in what are exceptionally difficult circumstances.
“My thanks go to hotel customers and Pavilion Court residents who have expressed their thanks and been truly touched by the generosity of my council colleagues and our community partners.”
At about 1.20am on Saturday, emergency services were called to the burning venue.
Inside the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone after a huge blaze in the early hours
Burnt cars have been shown lined up outside, while inside charred rubble covers the floor and debris is hanging from the ceiling.
Police confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the fire is being treated as suspicious.
It comes as Britannia Hotel Group – which runs the Burstin – has said in its latest update that everyone who was evacuated from their rooms will be refunded, as well as anyone with a future booking.
A spokesperson added: “We appreciate guests will also be keen to be reunited with their belongings.
“However, we are currently unable to safely access the building and our engineers remain on site conducting structural assessments.
A picture of the Grand Burstin in Folkestone, a day after the blaze in basement
“We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding while this takes place.
“In the meantime, we are fully cooperating with Kent Police to support their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.”
At the height of the blaze, 27 fire engines were sent to the scene.
Firefighting operations are now finished, but Harbour Approach Road remains closed.
No vehicular access is possible to the Harbour Arm as a result, but businesses are open to pedestrians.
A picture of Pavilion Court in Folkestone, residents have been evacuated due to fire at Grand Burstin. Picture: KMG
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
Anyone with relevant information to assist officers, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting 46/155727/26.
You can also upload footage directly via the public portal.