NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — Firefighters are still working to put out hotspots after a massive fire broke out inside a Newport hotel Monday night.
Crews responded to the Wayfinder Hotel on Admiral Kalbfus Road shortly after 8 p.m. as heavy flames and smoke could be seen for miles pouring from the roof and windows.
Departments from six different communities were called in to help knock down the flames at the four-story hotel, which is across the street from the old Newport Grand Casino.
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Riding said three firefighters suffered minor injuries, but no guests were hurt.
“We actually had one firefighter go through a floor. He was rescued by the crews that were with him,” Riding said. “We don’t know if it was from the heat or the water weight that was causing collapses.”
After the firefighter went through the floor, Riding said all companies were pulled from the hotel and started fighting the fire from the exterior.
The fire destroyed the middle section of the building, which is considered a complete loss, according to Riding.
“We have two-foot void space between each floor which is where the fire was traveling, so we just couldn’t get to between the floors,” he explained.
The fire comes just before Memorial Day weekend and the busy summer season, making this a huge loss.
Jennifer Echeverry and her husband made a vacation stop in Newport. After they went out to dinner they returned to see flames.
“Everything is in there so what we have on is what we are left with,” Echeverry said.
The two are flying back home to Flordia Wednesday morning with their IDs and other personal information among the charred debris.
The Red Cross responded to help assist the affected guests, but the hotel had already relocated them to another hotel.
After staying in the other hotel for the night, Echeverry told 12 News they stopped by the Wayfinder Tuesday morning as a last effort to retrieve their belongings.
“We will hopefully be able to get a picture of something at some point and use the story to get us on the plane but we will make the best out of it and get some new stuff,” she said.
Phil Hospond, CEO of hotel owner Dovetail + Co., released a statement thanking those who came to their aid.
“It’s all really just awful,” he wrote. “We are deeply grateful for the Newport Fire Department and all the surrounding communities that responded. With the support of all the first responders and our local community members, we can confirm that all employees and guests were safely evacuated.
“At this time, we are solely focused on the wellbeing of our guests and employees,” Hospond continued. “We appreciate the community’s support during this difficult period and can provide updates as we assess the situation and determine next steps.”
Crews are expected to remain at the scene all day, and the building inspector will determine whether the building is a total loss. Riding said the state fire marshal’s office was there all night.
The cause remains under investigation at this time.