Two arrested over Grand Burstin hotel fire in Folkestone

Two arrested over Grand Burstin hotel fire in Folkestone

Kent Police have arrested two individuals on suspicion of arson following a significant fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone. The incident occurred early on Saturday morning at the hotel located on Marine Parade. Approximately 280 people were evacuated from the premises as a precautionary measure. Additionally, safety concerns prompted the relocation of 90 residents from the nearby Pavilion Court on Marine Terrace, according to the Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

Although a 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were taken into custody, both have since been released while investigations continue. The police are treating the fire as suspicious and have kept road closures in place around the area to facilitate ongoing examination of the scene. Officers have requested assistance from the public to come forward with any relevant information regarding the blaze.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded with 26 fire engines, and it is believed that the fire originated in the basement of the building. Britannia Hotels Group, which manages the Grand Burstin, has expressed full cooperation with the authorities. The company also confirmed that engineers and building inspectors have been assessing the site structurally, and efforts are underway to support displaced guests. Meanwhile, the local council is assisting with finding temporary housing for those affected while damage assessments and necessary repairs are carried out.

On-site support included the establishment of a welfare center for hotel residents, with several local businesses, such as The Harbour Inn pub, offering aid to those impacted. Witnesses described the frightening moments when smoke was first noticed billowing from the underground car park, accompanied later by sounds of explosions. Residents who were evacuated expressed frustration over uncertainty around the duration of their displacement, highlighting the disruption caused by the fire to their daily lives

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