A significant fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, which led to the evacuation of approximately 280 guests in the early hours of Saturday, is being treated as suspicious by police. Authorities are appealing for witnesses as investigations into the cause of the blaze are underway.

The incident began around 1:05 BST, prompting an immediate and large-scale response from emergency services. Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed 26 fire engines to the scene, with a height vehicle and the technical rescue unit remaining to assist with ongoing firefighting operations.

Station manager Lawrence Pater noted the "very severe" nature of the fire, which has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building. Advice is being sought from inspectors regarding the hotel's safety. The South East Coast Ambulance Service assessed several individuals, with one person taken to hospital for minor injuries.

The implications of the fire extend beyond immediate safety concerns, with police actively investigating the possibility of arson. The investigation aims to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the blaze, potentially leading to criminal charges if deliberate ignition is confirmed.

Folkestone Hythe District Council has established a welfare center at the Three Hills Sports Park and advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed while avoiding the immediate vicinity of the hotel. A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group, which owns the Grand Burstin Hotel, stated that the company is cooperating fully with authorities and prioritizing the safety and well-being of guests and staff.

Guests described a chaotic scene, with many woken by fire alarms around 1 AM. Ross Honeycomb, who was staying with his family, recounted being awakened by alarms and seeing smoke billowing from the underground car park, later hearing explosions. He described the experience as "horrifying" and "madness."

Another guest, Bill Owen, noted the "incredible" heat and "thick black smoke" emanating from the car park area. Reports from some individuals suggested the fire was wind-driven and originated in the basement, though a definitive cause has not yet been officially established.

Kevin and Kathleen Crawford, an elderly couple from London who had checked in for a two-week stay, were on the sixth floor when the alarm sounded. While they saw the fire, they initially believed the fire brigade had it under control, reflecting the confusion and uncertainty experienced by many during the unfolding emergency.