A major fire at one of Folkestone’s most recognisable seafront hotels is being treated as suspicious by investigators, after nearly 280 guests and staff were forced to flee the building in the early hours.
The Grand Burstin Hotel, a towering landmark sitting right on the Kent coast, was evacuated after flames broke out at the premises. Emergency services rushed to the scene as hundreds of people spilled out onto the seafront, many of them in the middle of the night with little time to gather belongings.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent multiple crews to tackle the blaze, with firefighters working to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading further through the large hotel building. The scale of the evacuation alone gives some idea of just how serious the situation was, with guests from across the building having to get out fast.
Police have since confirmed that the fire is not being treated as accidental. Investigators are now working to establish exactly how it started and whether anyone is responsible. No arrests have been announced at this stage, but enquiries are ongoing.
The Grand Burstin is hard to miss if you have ever visited Folkestone. The brutalist-style tower block hotel dominates the harbour area and has been a fixture of the town’s seafront for decades. It is a popular choice for budget stays on the Kent coast, regularly hosting large groups and events, which explains why so many people were on the premises at the time.
Fortunately, despite the chaos of getting nearly 280 people out of the building, there were no reports of serious casualties. The priority for emergency services on the night was ensuring everyone got out safely, and by all accounts that was achieved.
Local residents in the area would have seen the emergency response firsthand, with multiple fire engines and police vehicles descending on the harbour. The Folkestone seafront was effectively closed off around the hotel as crews dealt with the incident.
The news that the fire is being treated as suspicious will cause serious concern for the local community. Folkestone has been going through something of a revival in recent years, with investment in the town centre and harbour area bringing new businesses and visitors to the Kent coast. An arson investigation at such a prominent building is the last thing the town needs.
Authorities are now appealing for anyone who may have seen something unusual around the hotel in the hours before the fire broke out to come forward. If you were in the area and noticed anything suspicious, police are urging you to get in touch.
The hotel itself faces an uncertain short-term future while the investigation continues and the extent of any structural damage is assessed. Guests who were evacuated on the night would have needed to find alternative accommodation at short notice, with staff doing their best to assist those left stranded.
Investigators will be combing through the scene carefully over the coming days as they work to piece together exactly what happened at one of Folkestone’s most iconic buildings.