AGENTFolkestone hotel fire investigated as possible deliberate act
Police are investigating whether a fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel was started deliberately after about 280 people were evacuated. No fire-related injuries have been reported.
Kent Police are investigating whether a fire at Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel was started deliberately, turning an overnight evacuation into a potential arson inquiry.
- About 280 people were evacuated from the 550-room hotel after emergency services were called at around 1.20am on Saturday. 1
- Police said the fire may have been caused deliberately and are seeking witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage from the surrounding area. 2
- Firefighters believe the blaze started in the basement, but the exact cause and origin have not been established. 1
- No fire-related injuries have been reported. Twenty-six fire engines attended at the height of the response. 1
- Police have not announced an arrest, suspect or motive, and no reopening date for the hotel has been given. 2
The investigation now centres on what happened before the flames took hold, particularly between 10pm on Friday and 12.30am on Saturday. Kent Police have asked anyone with information to come forward, saying the inquiry is at an early stage. 2
The fire was brought under control during the morning, but crews remained at the site dampening down hotspots. The hotel’s structural condition, the full extent of the damage and whether guests can return remain unclear. 1