A significant fire erupted at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone during the early hours of Saturday, prompting a massive emergency response and the evacuation of roughly 280 people. Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed 26 fire engines to the scene after being alerted to the blaze at approximately 01:05 BST. By late afternoon, four fire engines, a height vehicle, and a technical rescue unit remained at the site to continue firefighting operations.
Investigation and Emergency Response
- Police Status: Officials are treating the fire as suspicious and have launched an investigation into its origins.
- Witness Appeal: Kent Police are actively seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
- Building Integrity: Station manager Lawrence Pater noted that the severe fire has caused concerns regarding the structural safety of the premises, with inspectors currently being consulted.
- Traffic Support: Police officers arrived around 01:20 to assist with traffic flow while fire crews addressed the flames.
- Casualties: South East Coast Ambulance Service provided assessments to individuals on-site; one person was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Local authorities, including the Folkestone & Hythe District Council, established a welfare centre at the Three Hills Sports Park to assist those displaced. Residents nearby were cautioned to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed as a safety precaution. Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the facility, stated they are cooperating with authorities and prioritizing the wellbeing of their guests and staff.
Accounts from the Scene
Guests described a harrowing experience as the situation unfolded. Ross Honeycomb, who was staying with his family, recounted being awakened by alarms at 01:00. He reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the underground car park, followed by what sounded like explosions. Another guest, Bill Owen, who had arrived the previous afternoon, remarked on the intense heat radiating from the car park area, noting the air was thick with black smoke.
For some, the escape was a narrow one. Kevin Crawford, 91, and his wife Kathleen, 82, were in their sixth-floor room when the alarm sounded. Mrs. Crawford described the hotel as being significantly damaged and expressed relief at surviving the incident. Local business owners also stepped in to help; Ben Cuthbert, who runs the nearby Harbour Inn, opened his establishment overnight to offer a sanctuary for evacuated guests, many of whom had fled with minimal clothing or belongings.
Linden Kemkaran, leader of Kent County Council, publicly commended the emergency services on social media, praising their rapid and professional response which focused on preserving lives. The report also notes that police have said, a fire at a seaside hotel where about 280 people were evacuated is believed to have been caused deliberately. The report also notes that ross Honeycomb, 39, was staying at the hotel with his family and said that they were woken by fire alarms at about 01:00. The report also notes that later we started hearing explosions.
Important Details
- The report also notes that inquiries into the circumstances are under way,” police said.
- The report also notes that the fire service said that four, a height vehicle and the technical rescue unit remain in attendance, and firefighting operations are ongoing, in an update at 17:30 BST.
- The report also notes that it was horrifying, he said: “I thought I was dreaming.
- The report also notes that it has just been madness. I have been out barefoot all night.
- The report also notes that he added: “We could see thick black smoke. You could taste it.
- The report also notes that though a cause of the fire had not yet been established, another person said South East that the fire had been “wind driven” and had begun in the basement.
- The report also notes that we didn’t realise how bad the fire was, we managed to sleep through it. At the time.
