Folkestone hotel fire prompts evacuation of nearby residents

Residents near Folkestone's Grand Burstin Hotel have been evacuated after safety inspectors raised concerns that a basement fire weakened the building's structure, the council said. About 90 people were relocated from nearby Pavilion Court. The blaze broke out early Saturday, forcing around 280 hotel guests to evacuate, with 26 fire engines responding. Kent Police are treating the fire as suspicious and have appealed for witnesses. The council is arranging alternative housing while the hotel undergoes structural assessments. Britannia Hotels Group said it is cooperating fully with police. A welfare centre was set up at Three Hills Sports Park, with local businesses offering support. One fire engine remained at the scene Sunday monitoring for hotspots.