Homes evacuated over fears fire at seaside hotel weakened building's structure
Residents near the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone have been evacuated due to concerns that a suspicious basement fire compromised the building's structural integrity. Local authorities are working to provide alternative housing while safety assessments continue.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the public safety risks associated with major structural fires in densely populated areas.
Image source, Juliette Felton Image caption, Kent Police said the fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel was being treated as suspicious
Residents living near to a fire-damaged seaside hotel in Folkestone have been evacuated over safety 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 in the early hours of Saturday, with about 280 people evacuated.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council said 90 people were relocated from Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace following concerns raised by safety inspectors.
Kent Police said the blaze was being treated as suspicious and has appealed for witnesses.
Image source, Dave Hennessy Image caption, The fire service said the blaze was believed to have started in the basement
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