Emergency companies rush to fireside at iconic UK landmark lodge with visitors evacuated
A landmark seafront hotel has been evacuated after 26 fire engines rushed to tackle a basement blaze sending thick smoke into the sky
Emergency services have been called to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent(Image: Facebook/Nula Tyson )
An iconic seafront hotel has been engulfed in flames with dozens of terrified guests evacuated into the street.
Emergency services have been called to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, after the inferno broke out in the early hours of this morning. A total of 26 fire engines rushed to the coastal landmark after the alarm was raised shortly before 1am.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the night sky as flames raged through the underground level of the building. Images from the scene show huge plumes of smoke filling the seafront as fire crews tackle the blaze.
A total of 26 fire engines rushed to the coastal landmark after the alarm was raised(Image: TripAdvisor)
Stunned residents quickly took to social media to share updates from the scene. One witness posted: “Yes, hotel is on fire. Cars in the underground car park destroyed. Ours included. Hotel ballroom gone and all of basement level.”
Another praised the fast response of emergency crews, adding: “The fire crew came so quick, I heard a bang, looked out and couldn’t see anything, then heard sirens and they were here about three minutes later.”
Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the night sky as flames raged through the underground level of the building(Image: Facebook/Nula Tyson )
Folkestone and Hythe District Council has set up a dedicated welfare centre to support guests who were forced to flee into the street.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the blaze is believed to have ignited in the basement, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Locals in the surrounding area have been warned to stay clear of the scene and keep all doors and windows tightly shut while emergency crews battle the emergency.
Fifteen fire engines remain at the seafront hotel this morning as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “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.”
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “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.”
