(Photo by Earl Noble.)
Hotel Mount Pearl on Park Avenue has been completely destroyed by fire. It was the second fire in three days at the business.
Fire crews were alerted of the fire by an area resident shortly after 5 a.m. The resident told VOCM News he was awake and smelled smoke. That’s when he discovered fire coming from the roof of the hotel.
(Photo by Earl Noble.)
When firefighters arrived on scene a short time later they were met with heavy fire and smoke coming from the building.
Acting Platoon Chief Roger Hounsell with the St. John’s Regional Fire Department stated that given the heavy fire conditions inside the building upon their arrival it would have been unsafe to send firefighters inside.
(Photo by Earl Noble.)
Instead they set up several master streams from fire engines and one aerial ladder truck, along with several attack lines to pour thousands of gallons of water on the blaze. Crews also had to set up a curtain of water near four propane tanks on the west side of the building to ensure they stayed cool.
Firefighters battled the fire well into the morning but were unable to prevent its spread to the rest of the building. In just over three hours, the fire had destroyed much of the structure.
Smoke from the fire could be seen for several kilometres, with residents as far away as the east end of St. John’s stating they found the smoke bothersome.
(Photo by Earl Noble.)
Crews with the City of Mount Pearl were summoned to spread salt around the street and parking lot of the hotel as a thick layer of ice began forming in the sub-zero temperatures. Salvation Army Emergency Services arrived on scene shortly after 8 a.m. to assist firefighters.
(Photo by Earl Noble.)
It is anticipated that crews will remain on scene for most of the day. Drivers should expect road closures and traffic delays in the area.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Photos by Earl Noble.
