// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Residents near fire-hit hotel evacuated over fears blaze 'weakened' building
Kent Police said the fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel was being treated as suspicious
Residents living near to a fire-damaged seaside hotel in Folkestone have been evacuated over safety fears that the intensity of the basement blaze weakened the building's structure, the council has said.
The blaze broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Marine Parade in the early hours of Saturday, with about 280 people evacuated.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council said 90 people were relocated from Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace following concerns raised by safety inspectors.
Kent Police said the blaze was being treated as suspicious and has appealed for witnesses.
The fire service said the blaze was believed to have started in the basement
A council spokesperson said the Pavilion Court residents had been given hotel accommodation in the town, adding that it was "working to arrange alternative housing for all affected residents while the Grand Burstin undergoes further assessments and any required works to make it safe".
In a statement, Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin, said it was "fully cooperating with Kent Police and supporting their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire".
It added: "We remain in close contact with all relevant authorities and will provide any assistance or information required as their enquiries continue.
"In the meantime, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members remains our priority."