Fire crews have returned to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, following reports of smoke at the fire-hit building on the morning of September 23. Two fire engines remain at the scene, and a firefighting robot is being deployed due to concerns about the building's structural integrity.
Smoke caused by smouldering laundry
According to Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the smoke was believed to have been caused by smouldering laundry. The teams were initially called to the hotel in Folkestone Harbour after receiving reports of smoke, prompting a renewed emergency response at the site.
The incident follows a large fire on Saturday, September 19, at the hotel, which saw 26 fire engines and specialist units deployed. That blaze led to the evacuation of around 280 hotel guests and nearby residents from Pavilion Court on Marine Terrace due to structural concerns, according to officials.
No injuries reported in previous blaze
No fire-related injuries were reported in connection with the previous fire. Two local residents, a 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were arrested in connection with the incident, but they have since been released while investigations continue.
The earlier fire is being treated as suspicious, and authorities are keen to determine its cause. Police are appealing for information, particularly CCTV or dashcam footage from the area between 10pm on Friday, September 18, and 12.30am on Saturday, September 19.
Police appeal for footage
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/155727/26. Enquiries remain ongoing.
