MARTIN COUNTY — Some occupants at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa were evacuated early Dec. 29 after a fire broke out in an unoccupied room, according to Martin County Fire Rescue.
Shortly after midnight, crews went to the establishment in the 3700 block of Northeast Ocean Boulevard, and used a ladder truck “to get water directly on the fire and knock it down quickly,” the agency stated.
“The fire broke out in an unoccupied room in the north tower … likely caused by an electrical short in a guest room refrigerator,” the agency stated.
There were no reported injuries.
The resort appeared to be open on the afternoon of Dec. 29, although Ed Griffith, identified as general manager of the resort, did not return a voicemail and efforts to reach him in person at the front desk were unsuccessful.
Fire rescue officials reported “significant damage,” mainly to the north tower of the beachside resort.
Cory Pippin, fire rescue spokesperson, didn’t know an estimated damage amount. He said a sprinkler system activated and that power was cut to the fourth floor.
Searches of the fourth and fifth floors were conducted and all occupants of the north tower were evacuated, according to Martin fire rescue.
Pippin said some were re-located to the south tower and some to other hotels.
Pippin said fire rescue crews remained at the scene for about four hours.
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Part of Hutchinson Island resort evacuated after fire, officials said
Reporting by Will Greenlee, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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