Newport Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire Saturday morning in the 600 block of South Coast Highway at the Econolodge Motel in Newport. The first arriving fire unit reported smoke rising from a three-story commercial structure. After the initial knock down fire crews remained on scene for about an hour to investigate and perform overhaul. There were no injuries associated with this fire.
The cause of the fire was determined to be combustibles too close to a heating source.Newport Fire Department responded with 2 fire engines, a heavy rescue, a ladder truck, and 15 personnel. Newport Police Department and Pacific West Ambulance assisted on scene. Newport Fire reminds everyone to ensure adequate clearance around heating equipment. The thermostats on many heaters do not actually turn the heater off, but allow it to activate at the lowest temperature setting.
