Laredo fire chief says hotel is “structurally unstable”; street closures expected through weekend

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A fire damaged the DoubleTree hotel in Laredo early Wednesday, Oct. 7, and the scene remains active. Officials said nearby street closures could continue through the weekend and, in some areas, into Monday, Oct. 12.

Fire Chief Guillermo Heard said the building is “structurally unstable.” An expert must assess the building before crews can go inside, and no one can return to the area until officials deem it safe. Once it is safe to enter, people can retrieve their belongings. Crews searched the rooms multiple times, Heard said.

The fire was reported at 12:52 a.m. in the 800 block of Garden Street. More than 80 firefighters and first responders went to the scene, Mayor Victor Trevino said. More than 100 people were evacuated, and eight were hospitalized, Heard said. Trevino said there were no “mortal injuries.”

Street closures

Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez said multiple streets would be closed through the weekend, with some closures possibly lasting until Monday.

• North: Jefferson Street
• West: San Agustin Street
• East: Santa Ursula Street
• South: Shae Street

Displaced residents

The city said the closures were due to structural concerns and the ongoing investigation. Officials urged people not to fly drones near the scene.

People displaced by the fire are staying at the Haynes Recreation Center, officials said.

Laredo Independent School District said it will remain on its normal schedule, with district police assisting with nearby traffic.

The fire remains under investigation.

For more headlines, click here.