Folkestone Council Evacuates Residents After Grand Burstin Hotel Fire - BBC News
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Folkestone council evacuates nearby residents after Grand Burstin hotel fire - BBC News
By Patrick Barlow, South East
Published 8 minutes ago
Residents living near to a fire-damaged seaside hotel in Folkestone have been evacuated over safety fears that the intensity of the basement blaze weakened the building's structure, the council has said.
The blaze broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Marine Parade in the early hours of Saturday, with about 280 people evacuated.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council said 90 people were relocated from Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace following concerns raised by safety inspectors.
Kent Police said the fire at the Grand Burstin was being treated as suspicious and has appealed for witnesses.
A council spokesperson said the Pavilion Court residents had been given hotel accommodation in the town, adding that it was "working to arrange alternative housing for all affected residents while the Grand Burstin undergoes further assessments and any required works to make it safe".
Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin, said it was "fully cooperating with Kent Police and supporting their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire".
They added: "We remain in close contact with all relevant authorities and will provide any assistance or information required as their enquiries continue. In the meantime, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members remains our priority."
A total of 26 fire engines were sent to the hotel at about 01:05 BST on Saturday, Kent Fire & Rescue Service said, adding: "It's believed the fire started in the basement of the property."
On Sunday morning, one fire engine remained at the scene monitoring for hotspots.
Station manager Lawrence Pater said the "very severe" fire had raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building and that the fire service was seeking advice from inspectors.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council set up a welfare centre at the Three Hills Sports Park for hotel residents evacuated on Saturday.
Other local businesses, including nearby pub The Harbour Inn, also opened their doors to those affected.
"This was an extremely difficult day, firstly for the hotel guests and this evening for our residents who have had to move out of their homes," said the council's chief executive, Susan Priest.