In an update at 17:30 BST, the fire service said that four, a height vehicle and the technical rescue unit remain in attendance, and firefighting operations are ongoing.
“An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, which is being treated as suspicious,” a fire service spokesperson said.
Station manager Lawrence Pater said the “very severe” fire had raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building, and that it was seeking advice from inspectors.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council has set up a welfare centre at the Three Hills Sports Park and nearby residents have been advised to avoid the area of the fire and close windows and doors.
“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety”, the council said.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said it assessed a number of people at the scene and one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin Hotel, said it was “taking immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and team members”.
“Emergency services are on site and we are fully cooperating with the authorities to support those affected and assist with the ongoing response”, it added.
