Two individuals have been taken into custody on suspicion of arson following a significant fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, prompted the evacuation of roughly 280 guests from the Marine Parade property.
Kent Police confirmed that a 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested at the scene. Authorities have since released both suspects while investigative work continues.
Firefighters responded to reports of smoke billowing from the hotel’s underground car park shortly after 01:00 BST. Twenty-six fire engines were deployed to the site, and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service stated that the blaze is believed to have originated in the basement. The fire has been classified as suspicious, and officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
In addition to the hotel guests, safety inspectors raised concerns about the adjacent Pavilion Court building on Marine Terrace. Consequently, 90 residents from that nearby property were relocated. The Folkestone and Hythe District Council has been coordinating alternative housing arrangements for those displaced.
Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the Grand Burstin, announced it is fully cooperating with law enforcement. Engineers and building inspectors were sent to the site on Saturday to conduct structural assessments, while the company worked to support affected guests.
Ross Honeycombe, a guest at the hotel, described being woken by alarms and observing heavy smoke rising from the car park, followed by audible explosions. Another resident, John Dighton, who was staying at Pavilion Court, said he had to pack only a few days’ worth of belongings. He expressed that the uncertainty regarding how long they would be away from their homes was the most distressing aspect of the event.
A welfare center was established on Saturday to assist those impacted by the fire. Local businesses, including the nearby Harbour Inn pub, also opened their doors to provide support to evacuees. Road closures remain in effect around the area to facilitate ongoing police investigations.
Twenty-six engines for a basement fire. That’s huge. Must have been intense.
90 extra people displaced just from next door? The structural concerns sound serious.
They released the suspects though? Hope the evidence holds up when they are charged properly.
Scary thought about being trapped in that car park. Hope everyone recovers fully.