A specialist firefighting robot has been deployed at a Kent hotel following a devastating fire that forced hundreds of guests to evacuate. The robotic unit was sent into the damaged Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone after smoke was reported inside the building days after the initial blaze. [kentonline.co.uk], [theguardian.com]
Fire crews returned to the hotel when smouldering materials reignited, but concerns over the building’s structural stability meant sending firefighters inside posed significant risks. Instead, the remotely operated robot was used to enter hazardous areas, extinguish hotspots and dampen down surrounding sections of the building. [kentonline.co.uk], [localrags.co.uk]
The incident highlights how advanced firefighting technology is helping emergency services tackle dangerous situations while reducing risks to personnel. Robots can operate in environments that may be unsafe for firefighters, providing a valuable tool when buildings have been severely damaged by fire. [kentonline.co.uk], [rosenbauer.com]
