Ninety residents were evacuated from Pavilion Court on Marine Terrace after safety inspectors raised concerns that a basement fire in the nearby Hotel Burstin early on Saturday, 19 September 2026, compromised the building’s structural integrity.
The relocation was coordinated Saturday evening by Folkestone & Hythe District Council, with assistance from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police. Staff from Dover District Council also supported affected individuals and families at a welfare centre established at Three Hills Sports Park, where they waited to be transferred to local hotel accommodation.
Folkestone’s housing team is currently arranging long-term alternative housing for all displaced residents while the Grand Burstin undergoes detailed safety assessments and structural repairs.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council Chief Executive Susan Priest said:
” This has been an extremely difficult day, firstly for the hotel guests and this evening for our residents who have had to move out of their homes.
“The extent of support of organisations including Three Hills, Morrisons and the Salvation Army has been amazing and helped to ensure that visitors and residents were looked after, supported and had food and hot drinks.”
Guests from the Grand Burstin are advised to contact Britannia Hotels for further information about their belongings on Burstinfireresponse@Britanniahotels.com .
It’s understood Folkestone & Hythe council has advised Pavilion Court residents that they will be contacted by council housing officers on Monday.