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More than 200 people have been evacuated after a huge fire broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel in the Harbour, Folkestone.
On Saturday morning, September 19, emergency services rushed to the scene to control the blaze, which the crew said started in the basement.
How many people were evacuated amid the hotel fire?
About 280 people were evacuated and a welfare centre was set up by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
No injuries relating to the fire have been reported, and the cause of the blaze is not yet known.
As per the fire service, around 26 fire engines were at the scene tackling the fire.
Reacting to the blaze, Folkestone and Hythe District Council penned on X, "A fire is currently ongoing at the Folkestone Grand Burstin Hotel."
"We are operating a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park for people being evacuated from the site, where we are providing support to those affected. We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety."
"Our advice to residents living nearby is to: close all windows and doors; avoid the area and do not attempt to approach the hotel; follow the instructions of emergency services; keep roads clear to allow emergency vehicles to access the area," the statement read.
Cause of fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel remains unknown
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said 10 fire engines currently remain at the scene.
"Crews wearing breathing apparatus have worked hard to bring the fire under control and are now dampening down any remaining hotspots," the service said in an update.
It was shared that the fire is "believed" to have started in the basement; however, an exact cause remains unknown.
"No fire-related injuries have been reported."
It added, "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."
