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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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety”, the council said. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n