Hundreds evacuated as fire hits Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel

A major fire broke out early Saturday at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of guests. Firefighters are tackling a blaze believed to have started in the basement. Around 26 fire engines and a height vehicle were dispatched to the seafront hotel at approximately 2am, with 15 engines still at the scene. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said crews in breathing apparatus are making good progress, though the cause is not yet known. A welfare centre has been set up at Three Hills Sports Park for evacuated guests, with police managing traffic and nearby residents urged to keep windows and doors shut. The hotel has 13 floors, and one guest reported being evacuated from the fourth floor.