A significant fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone has been classified as suspicious by Kent Police, who are urging the public to come forward with any information. Approximately 280 guests were evacuated from the property during the early hours of Friday morning.
Kent Fire & Rescue Service dispatched 26 fire engines to the scene at around 01:05 BST. By mid-afternoon, nine units remained on site conducting dampening-down operations to extinguish lingering hotspots.
Station manager Lawrence Pater described the blaze as “very severe,” raising concerns regarding the structural integrity of the building. Authorities are currently seeking guidance from inspectors as investigations continue.
Locals were advised to stay clear of the area and keep windows and doors shut due to smoke. The Folkestone & Hythe District Council established a welfare center at Three Hills Sports Park for those displaced by the incident.
South East Coast Ambulance Service reported that one individual was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. No other serious injuries were confirmed.
Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the hotel, stated it is cooperating fully with authorities and prioritizing the safety of guests and staff. A spokesperson emphasized that immediate action was taken to assist everyone affected.
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes. Ross Honeycomb, 39, who was staying at the hotel with his family, said they were awakened by alarms at approximately 01:00. “I thought I was dreaming, it was horrifying,” he told the BBC. He described seeing smoke billowing from the underground car park and hearing explosions later on.
Another guest, Bill Owen, noted the intense heat radiating from the car park area and the thick black smoke. A separate witness described the fire as wind-driven and originating in the basement.
Kevin Crawford, 91, and his wife Kathleen, 82, had arrived for a two-week stay. The London-based couple, who stayed on the sixth floor, initially believed firefighters had the situation under control. “We managed to sleep through it. At the time, we didn’t realise how bad the fire was,” Kevin said. His wife added that they were eventually escorted down after waving to people from their window, noting the building was heavily damaged.
Local businesses also stepped in to help. Ben Cuthbert, owner of The Harbour Inn, opened his restaurant to provide shelter for evacuees. He reported that many guests left their rooms with only nightclothes and were visibly frightened. Cuthbert also provided space for paramedics to treat individuals on site.
Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran praised the emergency response, noting that firefighters acted rapidly and professionally with saving lives as their primary focus.
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