280 people evacuated from hotel in Britain due to fire — The Guardian
In the United Kingdom, about 280 people were evacuated from the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone after a major nighttime fire. According to The Guardian, police are treating the incident as suspicious. No injuries resulting from the fire were reported.
The fire may have started in the basement
Emergency services were called to the hotel shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19. According to Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the fire likely started in the building's basement. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Twenty-six fire engines were deployed to fight the blaze. Later, ten engines remained at the scene, while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished smouldering hotspots after the fire had been brought under control.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
A support centre was opened for evacuees
Folkestone and Hythe District Council opened a support centre for evacuees at Three Hills Sports Park. Residents of nearby areas were advised to close windows and doors, avoid the hotel area, not approach it, and keep roads clear for emergency services.
Kent Police received a report of the fire at around 1:20 a.m. and remained at the scene to manage traffic. According to the Britannia Hotels website, the Grand Burstin is located near Folkestone Harbour and has 550 rooms.
