FIRE FORCES EVACUATION OF 280 FROM FOLKESTONE HOTEL

A large fire broke out overnight at the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone, Kent, forcing the evacuation of around 280 people. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it was called shortly after 1am on Saturday, while Kent Police said officers were called at around 1.20am to reports of a fire at the hotel on Marine Parade. The fire service said it is believed to have started in the basement of the property, though the cause has not yet been established. Twenty-six fire engines were dispatched to tackle the blaze at the seafront hotel. No fire-related injuries have been reported.

The Grand Burstin overlooks Folkestone harbour and has 550 rooms, according to operator Britannia Hotels' website. Folkestone and Hythe District Council set up a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park to support those evacuated from the site. The council urged nearby residents to close all windows and doors, avoid the area and not approach the hotel, and to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Kent Police said officers remained at the scene to assist traffic flow while fire crews worked to tackle the blaze.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said crews wearing breathing apparatus worked to bring the fire under control and were later dampening down remaining hotspots. In an update, the service said ten fire engines remained at the scene. The cause of the fire had not been determined as of the latest update from the fire service. The council said it continued to support all emergency services involved in the response.