Laredo officials await safety assessment after hotel fire

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Nearly 24 hours after a fire spread across multiple floors of a 14-story Laredo hotel, officials have not said when people could return to retrieve their belongings or when nearby streets will reopen.

The fire broke out around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the DoubleTree hotel. Crews had most of the fire out within two hours, but firefighters searched rooms multiple times to ensure people had evacuated.

“Thankfully, everybody was able to get out, and there was no reported major injuries or serious injuries,” Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez said.

Eight people were taken to Laredo hospitals, and some suffered smoke inhalation. No deaths were reported. Fire Chief Guillermo Heard said the building is structurally unsafe, preventing investigators from going inside.

“Until we find the building that is structurally safe, the investigator can’t go back in there and continue his investigation,” Heard said.

Emergency declaration

Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino issued an emergency declaration Wednesday, opening the door to additional resources and help. Officials urged the public to avoid the area, including a two-block radius around the hotel, and not to fly drones.

Heard told KGNS the fire was a three-alarm blaze, with more than 80 firefighters and first responders sent to the scene.

Investigation on hold

Specialists must assess the building before anyone can go back inside. Officials have not said when people will be allowed to retrieve belongings or when nearby streets will reopen. The investigation will resume when officials determine the building is safe.

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