Key facts
- A fire at the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone led to the evacuation of 280 people.
- The blaze, believed to have originated in the basement, required 26 fire engines and specialist units.
- Nearby residents were also evacuated as a precaution due to structural concerns.
- A 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both from the local area, were arrested in connection with the incident.
- The arrested individuals have been released while inquiries continue.
A fire at the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone on Saturday, September 19, led to the evacuation of 280 people. Fire crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to the blaze, which was believed to have started in the basement of the 550-bed hotel. At its peak, 26 fire engines and specialist units were involved in tackling the incident. As a precaution due to structural concerns, approximately 90 nearby residents were also evacuated. Crews left the scene on Sunday, September 20, after the fire was extinguished. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. On Sunday, September 20, a 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both from the local area, were arrested in connection with the incident. They have since been released pending further inquiries.