Fire causes temporary evacuation of Best Western Plus

Published 9:19 am Friday, February 2, 2018

A small fire Thursday night at Best Western Plus resulted in the temporary evacuation of guests.

The fire, reported after 10 p.m., was reportedly in a first floor hallway, and heavy smoke was found in the facility’s east stairwell and second floor when first responders arrived.

The fire was contained to a light fixture in a stairwell, and smoke soot was found on walls. Damage was estimated at $2,000.

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“Crews extinguished the fire and law enforcement assisted with the evacuation of guests to the lobby area,” according to an Albert Lea Fire Department press release.

No injuries were reported from the fire, which was caused by an LED conversion bulb, according to the Fire Department.

A different light with the same type of bulb was found melted Wednesday at the hotel. There was a recall for the product in 2016. The hotel is reportedly working through the process of changing the bulbs, according to the Fire Department.

Smoke was removed from the building with the assistance of a fan, and guests were allowed to return to their rooms at approximately 11:15 p.m., according to the Fire Department.

Albert Lea police assisted on scene.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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