Hundreds evacuated from Folkestone hotel after fire
Emergency services were sent to the Grand Burstin Hotel in The Harbour, Folkestone, just after 1am on Saturday
About 280 people were evacuated and a welfare centre was set up by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
No injuries relating to the fire have been reported and the cause of the blaze is not yet known.
At its height, 26 fire engines were at the seafront hotel, the fire service said.
The hotel overlooks Folkestone’s harbour and has 550 rooms, according to the Britannia Hotels website.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council posted on X saying: “A fire is currently ongoing at the Folkestone Grand Burstin Hotel.
“We are operating a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park for people being evacuated from the site, where we are providing support to those affected.
“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety.
“Our advice to residents living nearby is to: close all windows and doors; avoid the area and do not attempt to approach the hotel; follow the instructions of emergency services; keep roads clear to allow emergency vehicles to access the area.
“We will provide further updates as information becomes available.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said in an update: “Ten fire engines remain at the scene of a fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in The Harbour, Folkestone.
“Crews wearing breathing apparatus have worked hard to bring the fire under control and are now dampening down any remaining hotspots.
“It’s believed the fire started in the basement of the property, but the cause is not yet known.
“Around 280 people evacuated the building, and a welfare centre has been organised by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
“No fire-related injuries have been reported.
“Members of KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team are on-hand to offer advice and support, and The Salvation Army is providing welfare to crews.
“Road closures remain in place while emergency services continue to work at the scene.”
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Kent Police was called at around 1.20am on Saturday September 19 2026 to reports of a fire at a hotel on Marine Parade, Folkestone.
“Officers remain in attendance to assist traffic flow while our Kent Fire and Rescue Service colleagues work to tackle the fire.”
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group said: “We can confirm there has been an incident at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone and we are taking immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and team members.
“Emergency services are on site and we are fully cooperating with the authorities to support those affected and assist with the ongoing response.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub