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Items being returned to guests after fire, hotel says

Dave Hennessy A night-time view of a residential street shows a large plume of orange-lit smoke. Streetlights illuminate the scene and the smoke is spreading, partially obscuring buildings and trees. Several cars are parked along the road and in a nearby parking area, while the upper floors and rows of windows of surrounding buildings can be seen through the haze.Dave Hennessy
The Grand Burstin Hotel caught fire on on 19 September, with the neighbouring flats later evacuated

Guests at a hotel damaged by fire have begun to have belongings returned, the business has said.

About 280 guests were forced to leave the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, after a blaze took hold at about 01:05 BST on 19 September, while some 90 residents were evacuated from homes nearby.

Owner Britannia Hotels Group said it hoped to rebuild parts of the building and was "continuing to assess the full extent of the damage".

On Thursday it said the process of reuniting guests with their belongings had started.

"We are also identifying any vehicles affected by the fire and are working hard to assist guests and their insurers as required," a spokesperson said.

"Due to the damage incurred inside the hotel, guests are being contacted with details of how to arrange collection and we have security measures in place to ensure this process is carried out safely and securely."

It thanked guests for their "patience and understanding" and said it was looking forward to returning their things.

Rob Hassan A composite image shows a head-and-shoulders photograph of Rob Hassan wearing a dark-blue collared top against a pale grey background. Beside it is a photograph of a grey hatchback car decorated with stickers and signage for a charity drive to Barcelona. Two people in red outfits are pictured leaning out the front windows and with their elbows on the roof of the vehicle in a suburban street lined with houses.Rob Hassan
Rob Hassan said two cars being used in a charity drive were destroyed

Guests previously said they were still waiting to reclaim belongings, including Rob Hassan, from Birchington, who said two cars being used in a charity drive to Barcelona which were in an underground car park were destroyed by the flames.

Maria Zheng, from London, said she had spent about £500 replacing essential items and was still waiting for news about her digital piano.

Kent Police said a 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson after the fire and were released while investigations continue.

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