Checks at burnt hotel after smoking laundry report

Firefighters are to carry out routine checks at a Kent hotel after smoke was reported days after a large fire was put out.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) sent three fire engines to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone at about 08:30 BST on Wednesday saying it was "assessing the area".

A fire service spokesperson said the smoke had been caused by "smouldering laundry", and a firefighting robot was used to extinguish hotspots at the hotel.

The call came four days after a large fire broke out at the hotel on Marine Parade in the early hours of Saturday, with 280 people evacuated from the building.

Two fire engines remained at the scene on Wednesday morning, but had left by about 17:00, a KFRS spokesperson said.

The firefighting robot was used "due to concerns regarding the structure of the building", they added.

"Crews have left the scene but will carry out routine visits to check for any further hotspots."

Residents of the Pavilion Court flats, which neighbour the Grand Burstin Hotel, were also evacuated after the initial fire at the weekend.

They have been unable to return to their homes while structural investigations of the burnt hotel take place.

Kent Police later arrested a 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman on suspicion of arson.

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