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Deputy fire chief cites ‘significant life safety issues’

Econo Lodge in Albert Lea is closed immediately as of Tuesday due to significant life safety issues found in a recent inspection, according to Albert Lea Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske.

Laskowske said the fire department completed its three-year inspection on May 5 in contract with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. After contacting the Fire Marshal’s Office about the results of the inspection, the entities moved forward to close the hotel.

He said he could not expand on further specifics other than to note the hotel needed a whole new fire alarm system, among other things. The issues were not structural in nature.

Tenants in the Econo Lodge portion of the hotel are required to move in a timely fashion to the attached Quality Inn portion that is still allowed to be operable or another hotel owned by the same company in the community. The hotel is owned by Twin Cities Hospitality.

Laskowske said he did not know how many people would have to move but said there were only some employees who were living there. The department is working with each individual because some have lived there for a while. Someone from the hotel staff will have to be on hand as the tenants move to stand by on fire watch.

Laskowske said a company has been contracted to install the fire alarm system. The hotel, at 2306 E. Main St., will not be reopened until the issues are resolved.

The Tribune has a call out to Econo Lodge. Check back for more information as it becomes available.