280 Evacuated From Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone Overnight Fire

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