A major fire breaks out at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people. Dozens of fire engines are sent to the scene as authorities respond to the blaze, which triggers an immediate departure of guests and staff from the building.
Reporting from different outlets says the fire is believed to start in the basement area of the hotel. The BBC reports that about 280 people are evacuated, while The Independent describes the evacuation as involving hundreds, without specifying an exact figure. Both accounts describe the scale of the emergency response and the use of multiple fire appliances.
Authorities are assessing the cause and extent of the damage following the evacuation. The differing figures reflect varying estimates reported in real time as crews arrive, people are accounted for, and evacuation numbers are confirmed.
