About 280 evacuated from Folkestone's Grand Burstin hotel in overnight fire

About 280 people were evacuated from Folkestone's Grand Burstin hotel after a fire. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is believed to have started in the basement. Crews were called after 1am on Saturday 19 September 2026. The cause was not yet known. Folkestone and Hythe District Council set up a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park.