Hotel fire

City News November 11, 2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 2301 East Main St. (Ramada Inn) on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. for the report of a fire.

Fire crews found smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the 3-story east wing of the hotel. Maintenance personnel and guests of the hotel had been trying to use extinguishers on the fire, but were unable to extinguish the fire. Fire crews entered the building and extinguished the fire along with verifying everyone had been evacuated from the building. Crews worked on scene for about an hour removing smoke from the structure. The first floor of the hotel was not being used for guests at the time of the fire.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office fire investigator assisted Albert Lea Fire Rescue with cause and determination of the fire.

It was found that the wall heating unit fan motor had overheated and caused the interior components of the heater to start on fire. The heater had been turned on about three days ago due to the cooling temperatures. The fire spread into the room, but was contained to that room.

No injuries were reported. Damage to the motel is anticipated around $75,000 from smoke damage to the first floor.

The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted Fire Rescue on the scene.

For immediate release
Nov. 11, 2025
Contact for fire operations: Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske at 507-377-4311 or jlaskowske@ci.albertlea.mn.us

Contact for fire investigation during business hours: Albert Lea Fire Rescue at 507-377-4341

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The mission of Albert Lea Fire Rescue: We are committed to help people and to do what is right, today and in the future.