Manhattan Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Hampton Inn on Wednesday.
Firefighters responded to a report of fire coming from the hotel, located off of 501 East Poyntz Avenue, around 2:30 pm. When firefighters arrived on scene, black smoke and fire could be seen coming from the building.
MFD crews immediately searched the building and evacuated one person from the building. A collapse occurred on the roof and a hotel room on the third floor crashed down to the ground level. The room collapse was due to water.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire in just over two hours after reaching a second alarm. A total of 40 firefighters responded with eight fire apparatus. Units were still on scene hours after the fire was contained. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.
MFD Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes says the fire started accidentally by a construction crew cutting on the roof. Drone footage shows a large hole on the roof, as well as damage to the siding. Thermal imaging showed some areas with high heat hours after the fire was contained.
Riley County and Blue Township Fire Departments assisted the MFD in firefighting efforts. Other local emergency agencies assisted as well including Pottawatomie Emergency Medical, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and Riley County Police Department.
An estimate of the fire loss to the building is not available at this time, however MFD reports the building sustained significant damage.
