KILLEEN, Texas — Killeen fire and police departments battled a large structure fire Friday night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Killeen. The flames were brought under control shortly after midnight Saturday.
Officers had closed East Central Texas Expressway at WS Young Drive as a result of the fire. Drivers were asked to find alternate routes.
According to the Killeen Fire Marshal James Chism, on Friday at 8:27 p.m. the Killeen Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire at the Hilton Garden Inn hotel located at 2704 O.W. Curry Dr. in Killeen, TX.
Fire crews arrived at the scene to find fire coming from the roof above the fourth floor of the four-story hotel. Firefighting efforts were hindered due to automatic sprinkler system being out of service because of frozen pipes.
The fire suppression efforts were assisted by a total of seven agencies and 17 pieces of apparatus.
The city of Harker Heights loaned water to the city of Killeen to battle the blaze. This resulted in a boil water notice for all properties in Harker Heights as of 11:30 p.m. Friday. It will remain in effect until further notice.
"A water shortage caused by extreme winter weather has reduced water pressure and services," Harker Heights officials say. "As a precaution, customers who have experienced low water pressure and/or no water service should boil all water prior to consumption."
The Killeen Police Department also said the hotel was reported to be at full occupancy of all 102 rooms at the time of the fire. There was reported to be one occupant of the hotel who was treated for minor injuries at the scene and released. The fire department received reports of two occupants that transported themselves to a local hospital to be evaluated for smoke inhalation.
There were no fire fighter injuries reported.
The Emergency Management Office of the Killeen Fire Department transported a number of the displaced occupants to the Skyline Baptist Church to provide relief from the elements. Any displaced occupants of the hotel are asked to call 254-501-8864. Authorities ask that you leave your name, room number, the number of occupants and a good phone number or e-mail.
Fort Hood officials released a statement earlier Friday evening that said they are aware of the fire that took place off-post. Fort hood said initial indications show that all guests, including a few Soldiers, were evacuated and immediately rebooked in nearby hotels.
The statement went onto say, "This fire is another reminder to check in with each other. Throughout the winter storm, leaders have continually checked in with their teammates. We want to ensure our Soldiers are accounted for and have a safe place to stay. Beyond military accountability, we encourage our troops to call home to their family and friends."
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