Folkestone hotel fire: Hundreds evacuated after major blaze breaks out at Grand Burstin Hotel

Hundreds of people have been evacuated after a huge fire broke out at a hotel in Kent.

Emergency services raced to the Grand Burstin Hotel in The Harbour, Folkestone, to tackle the blaze, which fire crews said started in the basement in the early hours of Saturday morning.

About 280 people were evacuated as dramatic pictures showed plumes of smoke billowing over the harbour. 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 scene, the fire service said.

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 10 fire engines currently remain at the scene.

“Crews wearing breathing apparatus have worked hard to bring the fire under control and are now dampening down any remaining hotspots,” the service said in an update.

“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.”

It added: “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.”

This is a breaking story. More to follow…