Folkestone hotel fire treated as suspicious after hundreds evacuated

Police are treating a major overnight fire that ripped through Folkestone's seafront Grand Burstin Hotel as a suspected arson attack.

The blaze, which broke out just after 1.00am on Saturday 19 September, forced the evacuation of around 280 guests and staff. At its height, 26 fire engines and a height vehicle were called to the 550-room landmark as flames and heavy black smoke poured from the basement and underground car park.

By Saturday afternoon, Kent Police confirmed they believe the fire was started deliberately. Detectives have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage from the area.

For many staying at the hotel, the evacuation was sudden and chaotic. Guests reported hearing explosions as cars or gas cylinders caught fire in the basement.

Mandy Greenwood, from Essex, had checked in on Thursday to celebrate her honeymoon. She described the aftermath as "absolutely disastrous," having spent nearly 24 hours in her pyjamas and slippers. "I have my personal stuff and I've got quite a substantial amount of money in my room, which we got for our honeymoon," she said. Jeff Gardner, a tourist visiting from Texas, managed to escape with his clothes but had to leave his passport and luggage behind.

As hundreds of shivering evacuees gathered outside, local business owners stepped in. Ben Cuthbert, who runs the Harbour Inn opposite the hotel, opened his pub at 2.00am to provide warmth and shelter. Paramedics used the pub as a temporary triage point, treating people for minor injuries, cuts, and smoke inhalation. South East Coast Ambulance Service said one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries, though the fire service reported no serious fire-related casualties.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council set up an emergency welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park. On Saturday evening, guests were being prepared for coach transit to alternative accommodation near Gatwick Airport.

The hotel itself, owned by the Britannia Hotels Group, has suffered significant damage. Lawrence Pater, a station manager with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said the "very severe" fire had raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of the concrete building. Structural inspectors have been called in to assess whether parts of the property are safe.

The fire also forced the closure of the nearby Folkestone Harbour Arm and caused the cancellation of the Wunder Harbour Bavarian festival's opening day. Organisers hope to reopen the site on Sunday.

Britannia Hotels said it was cooperating fully with police. Officers have asked anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from Marine Parade between 10.00pm on Friday and 12.30am on Saturday to contact them.