Fire breaks out at major hotel that has previously been used to house migrants as guests are evacuated
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By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
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 are still at the scene with crews wearing breathing apparatus as they battle to subdue the fire.
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.
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.
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