KELSO Wash. (KPTV) – Fire crews battled a two-alarm fire at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso all Saturday afternoon and evening, according to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue.
Just after 1:30 p.m., fire crews were sent to the hotel at 510 Kelso Drive, where they found heavy smoke billowing from the side of the building.
Firefighters were able to make sure all guests and employees got out safely, and no one has been reported hurt.
“There are fire breaks on a hotel of this nature, which helped with the fire not spreading,” said Lieutenant Bryan Ditterick.
Officials say crews sent out a call for help from surrounding fire agencies, including Longview Fire Department and Clark County Fire & Rescue. In total, 60 firefighters helped battle the flames.
As fire crews tried to contain the fire, officials say the roof partially collapsed.
As the hotel burned, smoke filled the area near Interstate 5. Emma Starks was nearby.
“We saw from all the way over to the Motel 6. We thought it was just something, fog, or something, but then we smelled it, and it was really bad,” Starks said.
Madilynn Harris-Pikron lives in the area, and said the fire was hard to watch.
“Kelso, being such a secret place to the people that live here, even places that we may not use often—it’s really heartbreaking in the town and community. And the effect it has on the community as well, it’s just really sad,” Harris-Pikron said.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
As fire crews continue their mop-up work at the hotel on Saturday night, they are asking people to avoid the area.
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