Commercial Fire at Express Inn Hotel
LAFAYETTE, LA (Apr. 3, 2024) – At 7:23 p.m., Lafayette firefighters responded to a commercial fire at Express Inn Hotel, 1314 North East Evangeline Thruway. Multiple fire units were dispatched to the scene after multiple calls reported the building on fire. When firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from an upstairs room. Emergency crews entered the room and discovered the fire in the bathroom. The fire was quickly extinguished. The room sustained moderate fire damage.
The occupants of the room were outside when they noticed smoke coming from inside. Guests of the hotel used fire extinguishers in an attempt to extinguish the fire. One of the occupants, a pregnant female, was evaluated on scene for minor smoke inhalation. Out of precaution, she was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. There were five occupants in the room: grandmother, daughter, and three grandchildren.
Fire officials determined that the fire originated in the bathroom. An improperly discarded smoking material or a lighter is being considered the cause of the fire, which was ruled an accident.
