Fire breaks out at major hotel that has previously been used to house migrants as guests are evacuated

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 02:28 EDT, 19 September 2026 | Updated: 02:54 EDT, 19 September 2026 A major fire has broken out at a hotel in Folkestone which was previously used to house migrants. Guests were evacuated from the Grand Burstin Hotel as firefighters fought the blaze, which began at around 2am today.It is believed the fire began in the basement of the Britannia Hotels-owned landmark located on the seafront. The cause is not yet known. The inferno sparked a major response, with 26 fire engines and a height vehicle rushing to the scene. Fifteen fire engines remain at the scene with crews wearing breathing apparatus as they battle to subdue the fire. Locals have also been urged to avoid the area surrounding the hotel and to 'close all windows and doors'. A welfare centre has been organised at Three Hills Sports Park for those who have been evacuated from the hotel The Grand Burstin Hotel was previously used to house around 130 asylum seekers in 2014 to ease overcrowding at a south London hotel. The former Conservative MP for Folkestone and Hythe, Damian Collins, criticised the decision and wanted to be reassured that the move was temporary. Guests were evacuated from the Grand Burstin Hotel as firefighters fought the blaze, which began at around 2am today It is believed the fire began in the basement of the Britannia Hotels-owned landmark located on the seafront. The cause is not yet known (Pictured: The Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone)Meanwhile, the Home Office said the migrants would be in Folkestone for no more than two weeks. At the time, the then council leader David Monk said: 'We are reassured that the original timescale of the Home Office has been met.' Mr Collins said he has been assured that the government would pick up the tab for the decision.He said communities should not have to take in asylum seekers without consultation or notice. He claimed the decision had been made to quickly ease overcrowding in a hotel in Croydon, and the area had only been informed the day before about their arrival. In 2019, 59 asylum seekers were housed as an 'emergency measure' at the hotel due to 'extenuating circumstances', according to the Folkestone and Hythe council. The local authority said it was a 'one-off situation' and that the beds had been vacated the following night, KentOnline reported. The Grand Burstin Hotel currently operates as a commercial hotel which is open to the public.A Kent & Fire Service spokesperson said it 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.'A Folkestone & Hythe District Council spokesperson said: '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 doorsAvoid the area and do not attempt to approach the hotelFollow the instructions of emergency servicesKeep roads clear to allow emergency vehicles to access the area'We will provide further updates as information becomes available.'The Daily Mail has approached Britannia Hotels for comment. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.