Newport, Rhode Island – A late-night two-alarm fire caused significant damage at the historic Castle Hill Inn on Thursday night, prompting the evacuation of guests and a large regional firefighting response. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported despite harsh winter conditions and an intense fire fight.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out late Thursday evening at the waterfront hotel located at 590 Ocean Avenue, one of Newport’s most well-known hospitality landmarks. Emergency crews arrived to find smoke and flames venting through the roof at the rear of the structure, indicating an advanced fire condition.
Firefighters immediately prioritized life safety, evacuating all guests and staff from the building before launching suppression efforts. According to officials, the fire was primarily located on the third floor and attic areas of the property.
Timeline of Events
The initial alarm was received at 9:33 p.m., when the Newport Fire Department was dispatched following an automatic fire alarm activation. Upon arrival, crews encountered visible fire conditions and quickly escalated operations.
As flames intensified and spread within the upper portions of the structure, a second alarm was struck at 9:56 p.m., expanding the response to include multiple surrounding departments.
After more than two hours of coordinated firefighting, the blaze was officially declared under control at 12:08 a.m.
Firefighting Response and Mutual Aid
Due to the scale of the incident and challenging conditions, mutual aid companies responded from:
- Newport Naval Station
- Jamestown
- Middletown
- Portsmouth
- North Kingstown
- Bristol
- Kingston
The Providence Canteen was also dispatched to provide food, hydration, and warming support to firefighters operating in icy and bitter temperatures. Additional companies covered other parts of Newport to maintain emergency readiness while crews focused on the fire.
Details From Fire Officials
Fire attack teams conducted primary and secondary searches to confirm the building was fully evacuated before concentrating on suppression. An aggressive interior attack was launched, targeting fire spread in concealed attic spaces, which often present significant challenges in historic structures.
“Crews encountered heavy fire in the upper levels and attic spaces,” officials said. “Despite freezing conditions, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control through coordinated interior operations.”
Investigation and Damage Assessment
Once the fire was controlled, investigators from the Newport Fire Marshal’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office began examining the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released findings related to origin or contributing factors.
Mutual aid departments were gradually released beginning around 12:40 a.m., while Newport firefighters remained on site into the morning hours to assist investigators and monitor for hot spots.
At this time, no official estimates have been released regarding the extent of fire, smoke, or water damage to the property.
Guest Safety and Accommodations
Hotel management confirmed that all displaced guests were safely accommodated on-site, avoiding the need for off-property relocation. The rapid evacuation and coordination between hotel staff and firefighters played a key role in preventing injuries.
Earlier reports incorrectly referred to the incident as a five-alarm fire; officials later clarified that it was a two-alarm fire with a five-alarm activation, reflecting the level of response rather than fire intensity.
Fire Safety and Awareness
This incident highlights the importance of automatic fire alarm systems, especially in large, historic buildings where fire can spread rapidly through concealed spaces. Officials encourage property owners and guests alike to remain familiar with emergency exits, evacuation procedures, and alarm sounds when staying in hotels or inns.
Cold weather also adds risk for responders, increasing the likelihood of icy conditions, frozen equipment, and firefighter fatigue.
Conclusion
The late-night fire at Castle Hill Inn resulted in significant emergency response and property damage but ended without injuries thanks to swift evacuation and coordinated firefighting efforts. Investigators continue working to determine the cause as cleanup and assessments move forward.
If you were in the area or have experienced a similar emergency, share your experiences in the comments below.
