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.
UPDATES
Initial update:
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to reports of a fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in The Harbour, Folkestone.
At the height of the incident, control operators sent 26 fire engines and a height vehicle to the scene, where crews wearing breathing apparatus are working to extinguish the fire.
Fifteen fire engines and a height vehicle remain in attendance and firefighters are continuing to make good progress.
It’s believed the fire started in the basement of the property, but the cause is not yet known.
The building has been evacuated, and a welfare centre has been arranged with Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
Officers from Kent Police are in attendance to assist with traffic control, and KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team is providing support and advice.
KFRS Update at 8.30am:
Ten fire engines remain at the scene of a fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in The Harbour, Folkestone.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus have worked hard to bring the fire under control and are now dampening down any remaining hotspots.
It’s believed the fire started in the basement of the property, but the cause is not yet known.
Around 200 people evacuated the building, and a welfare centre has been organised by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
No fire-related injuries have been reported.
Members of KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team are on-hand to offer advice and support, and The Salvation Army is providing
welfare to crews.
Road closures remain in place while emergency services continue to work at the scene.