Residents living near to a fire-damaged seaside hotel in Kent have been evacuated over 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, Folkestone, in the early hours of Saturday, with about 280 people evacuated.
26 fire engines were sent to the hotel at about 1am on Saturday, Kent Fire & Rescue Service said.
On Sunday, a fire service spokesperson said that they believed the fire started in the basement of the property and that the firefighting operation had ended, and the scene had been handed over to Kent Police.
Station manager Lawrence Pater said that 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.
A total of 90 people were relocated from Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace following concerns raised by safety inspectors, Folkestone & Hythe District Council said.
Kent Police said that the blaze was being treated as suspicious and has appealed for witnesses.
A council spokesperson said that 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”.
In a statement, Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin, said that it was fully cooperating with Kent Police and supporting the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The group thanked emergency service personnel, adding “Engineers and building inspectors are now on site conducting structural assessments and our team is working hard to assist all guests with their immediate needs. We remain in close contact with all relevant authorities and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this developing situation.”
