Grand Burstin Hotel fire brings 26 engines to Folkestone seafront

By around 06:55, KFRS confirmed that 15 fire engines and a height vehicle remained at the scene, with crews wearing breathing apparatus continuing to work to extinguish the fire.

The hotel was fully evacuated. Kent Fire and Rescue Service later said around 280 people had evacuated the building and that no fire-related injuries had been reported. At 3pm, nine fire engines and a technical rescue unit were still at the scene, and the road remained closed while emergency services worked in the area. Folkestone & Hythe District Council organised a welfare centre for displaced guests at Three Hills Sports Park in Folkestone. The KFRS Volunteer Response Team provided support and advice to those affected. Kent Police attended to manage traffic and public safety around the seafront area, and the public were advised to avoid the vicinity.

The Grand Burstin Hotel is a large seafront property operated by Britannia Hotels. The number of guests evacuated was not confirmed in official statements.

Key information

• Avoid the area around the Grand Burstin Hotel on Marine Parade, Folkestone, while the incident remains ongoing.
• Evacuated guests requiring welfare support should contact staff at Three Hills Sports Park, Folkestone, which has been designated as the welfare centre.