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Hundreds evacuated after suspicious overnight fire at Folkestone hotel

Police are treating the basement blaze at the Grand Burstin hotel as suspicious as investigations continue

The short version

  • About 280 people were evacuated after a large fire broke out in the basement of the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone.[The Guardian]
  • Emergency services dispatched 26 fire engines to tackle the blaze overnight, and one person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.[BBC News · The Guardian]
  • Kent Police announced they are treating the fire as suspicious and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.[BBC News]

Key facts

  • About 280 people were evacuated from the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone after a fire started in the basement.[BBC News · The Guardian]
  • Twenty-six fire engines were deployed by emergency services to combat the blaze.[BBC News · The Guardian]
  • Ambulance personnel assessed multiple individuals at the scene, and one person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.[BBC News]
  • Kent Police stated that they are treating the fire as suspicious.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The exact cause of the fire has not yet been formally determined, though police are treating it as suspicious.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.