Today at 4:57pm, San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the 1700 block of South Waterman Ave in the city of San Bernardino for a commercial fire. 911 callers reported that smoke was coming from the floor of the third floor.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the Quality Inn, a three-story motel. Upon investigation crews found a fire located between the 2nd and 3rd floors threatening both levels. The call was quickly balanced to a second alarm to bring additional crews and apparatus to the scene. Firefighters simultaneously worked on evacuations, primary searches of the impacted units and fire attack. Crews worked to suppress the fire and limit both horizontal and vertical spread of the fire.
Firefighters were successful in evacuating the affected areas and stopping the fire from spreading further. Within 30 minutes of arrival, the fire was knocked down. All guests were successfully evacuated without injury. While multiple units were impacted by smoke damage or utility interruption, more than 75 rooms were saved. Hotel management was working with those displaced for lodging arrangements. The fire remains under investigation by SBCoFD Investigators. No reports of injuries to firefighters were reported.
San Bernardino County Fire responded with 12 engines, three truck companies, 3 chief officers, a safety officer and an Air/Light unit. Colton FD assisted with an engine company.
San Bernardino County Fire would like to remind the public of the importance of familiarizing themselves with evacuation routes when staying at hotels and motels. This information is commonly located on the doors to individual rooms.