Albert Lea hotel closure followed by room fire
City News October 1, 2026
For the health and safety of occupants, the City of Albert Lea closed the Quality Inn and Suites at 2306 E. Main St. on Sept. 29. Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske, in cooperation with the City of Albert Lea Building Official and the hotel owner, made the decision to close the hotel after an inspection found health hazards and life safety issues.
The Main Street Family Restaurant in a different part of the building will remain open as the inspection found no issues at the restaurant.
The Sept. 29 inspection found, among health concerns and other issues, that the fire alarm system was not working correctly to notify occupants of a fire. In addition, the hotel’s overnight lodging license issued by the Minnesota Department of Health had expired.
The hotel owner is assisting occupants with finding new accommodations. Occupants are allowed to retrieve their belonging but not stay overnight.
On Sept. 30, at 3:22 p.m., Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to the hotel for smoke alarms activated in the building.
Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from a second floor window that was open. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire and verify that the hotel was evacuated. The fire was contained to one room with damage to furniture and a small amount of carpet along with light smoke damage.
The losses due to the fire are estimated at $3,000.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office was informed of the fire and is assisting in the investigation.
The cause of the fire is arson. Anyone with information related to the fire should contact Albert Lea Fire Rescue at 507-377-4341.
Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Albert Lea Police Department assisted at the scene.
For immediate release
Oct. 1, 2026
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.
