It’s reported, a massive emergency response was launched in the early hours of this morning after a major fire broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel on Folkestone Harbour.
Control operators dispatched 26 fire engines and a height vehicle to the iconic waterfront venue following emergency calls at 1:06 am on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Crews wearing breathing apparatus rushed to tackle the blaze, which is believed to have originated in the basement of the multi-storey property.
The building was rapidly evacuated, with emergency teams and local authority partners establishing a dedicated welfare centre through Folkestone and Hythe District Council to support displaced guests. Kent Police officers remained on scene throughout the night to manage road closures and traffic control, while volunteer teams provided welfare assistance to those affected.
Firefighters made swift progress containing the flames, with operations scaled back to 15 fire engines and a height vehicle as crews continue dampening down hotspots. An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place once the building is fully secured.