A two-alarm fire broke out at the historic Castle Hill Inn in Newport late Thursday night. The extent of the damage is not yet known and an investigation is underway looking into the fire’s origin.
“We are working with local officials to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage,” Mick Lamond, President & CEO of the Newport Restaurant Group, which manages the inn, wrote on Facebook. “We appreciate all of the first responders who worked throughout the night to put the fire out.”
Lamond also stated, in another post, that “all guests and staff were evacuated safely,” thanks to first responders on the scene.
According to the Newport Fire Department’s after-action report, when firefighters arrived at the inn, around 9:43 p.m., they could see smoke rising from the roof. Later, firefighters found that the third floor was venting heavy fire and smoke.
“Suppression efforts were needed on the second floor, third floor, and attic,” the report states. “Most of the fire was located in the walls and void spaces making suppression difficult.”
The fire was under control close to midnight.
One of Newport’s Gilded Age relics, the original mansion was built in the 19th century. The inn received a two-key rating (out of three) from the prestigious Michelin guide, making it “an exceptional stay.” Its restaurant is well-known for waterfront “drinks on the lawn.”
Fire companies from Naval Station Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Jamestown, North Kingston, and Bristol provided mutual aid and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s office was on scene to assist with the investigation.
The inn’s structure sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage. No injuries were immediately reported.
