A fire at the Hollywood Gateway Inn in the 2900 block of Polk Street forced the evacuation of more than 60 people early Friday morning, with four people requiring medical attention. Hollywood Fire Rescue responded to the blaze at 2:12 a.m. at the two-story hotel building. The fire was located on the east side of the building and was quickly extinguished by firefighters.
“Upon arrival, crews located a working fire on the east side of the building, which was quickly brought under control,” Hollywood Fire Rescue said. “The majority of occupants had already self-evacuated.” Two people were assisted from a second-floor balcony and were evaluated for smoke inhalation, but both declined to be transported to the hospital. Two additional occupants were transported to a local hospital for injuries they sustained while evacuating the building.
Wilson Rodriguez, who was staying at the hotel, described the chaotic scene as guests fled the burning building. “As we opened the door, all we see is fire and a lot of smoke,” Rodriguez said. “We had people jumping from the balcony. We saved a lady with her daughter.” Rodriguez told reporters he was awakened by someone yelling “fire!”
Firefighters believe the fire started on the second floor, inside one of the rooms, and said it appears to be accidental and electrical in nature. The blaze has been extinguished and crews spent about an hour conducting overhaul operations. An Hollywood Fire Rescue spokesperson noted that the building’s smoke alarms operated exactly as they should, crediting the smoke alarms for helping save lives.
“Hollywood Fire Rescue reminds the community that working smoke alarms save lives,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage everyone to test their alarms regularly, replace batteries as needed, and ensure every home has functioning alarms on every level.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.
It remains unclear when people will be allowed back into the Hollywood Gateway Inn. Investigators will continue to examine the cause and origin of the fire to determine if any safety improvements or code enforcement actions are needed at the hotel.