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Police investigating a hotel fire that forced hundreds of people to be evacuated say it may have been started deliberately and are asking for witnesses to come forward.
Kent Police said they were called at around 1:20am on Saturday morning to reports of a fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent.
The force said the fire is “being treated as suspicious, with detectives seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.”
“Enquiries into the circumstances are underway and officers now believe the fire may have been caused deliberately.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, particularly between 10pm on Friday 18th September and 12:30am on Saturday 19th, is urged to call Kent Police quoting the crime number 46/155727/26.
Ten fire engines remain at the scene of a fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel. Credit: Dave Hennessy
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said around 280 people were told to evacuate from the building.
At its height, 26 fire engines were at the scene at around 1am. This was scaled back later, with 10 fire engines on site around midday.
No injuries relating to the fire have been reported and the cause of the blaze is not yet known.
A welfare centre has been set up by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
Posting on X, the council said: “A fire is currently ongoing at the Folkestone Grand Burstin Hotel.
“We are operating a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park for people being evacuated from the site, where we are providing support to those affected.
“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety.
“Our advice to residents living nearby is to: close all windows and doors; avoid the area and do not attempt to approach the hotel; follow the instructions of emergency services; keep roads clear to allow emergency vehicles to access the area.
“We will provide further updates as information becomes available.”
Damage at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone on Saturday. Credit: ITV News
In an update at 3pm, the fire service said nine fire engines and the technical rescue unit are continuing to work at the scene.
In a statement, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Members of KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team are on-hand to offer advice and support, and The Salvation Army is providing welfare to crews.
“Road closures remain in place while emergency services continue to work at the scene.”
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group said: “We can confirm there has been an incident at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone and we are taking immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and team members.
“Emergency services are on site and we are fully cooperating with the authorities to support those affected and assist with the ongoing response.”
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