Flames engulf hotel in Ponte di Legno, 40 guests evacuated and 16 taken to hospital

A powerful fire broke out overnight at a hotel located in the center of the mountain resort of Ponte di Legno, in Italy’s Brescia province. Because the flames spread through part of the building, authorities ordered everyone inside to evacuate.

The alarm was raised at around 9 p.m. Preliminary reconstruction suggests that the fire started in the hotel chimney and spread within minutes across a large section of the wooden roof, later reaching the top floor.

More than 50 firefighters were deployed to put out the flames, including teams from the neighboring province of Trento. All 40 guests staying at the hotel were evacuated in time and escaped unharmed, while at least 16 received medical attention for mild smoke inhalation.

Firefighting operations continued throughout the night, with crews remaining at the scene until the early hours of the morning, when the situation was brought fully under control. However, the hotel sustained considerable damage: the wooden roof was severely damaged, while the third floor, built in the form of an attic, was affected by falling materials and firefighting efforts.

The building’s main structure remained intact and the building did not collapse, but authorities deemed it unsuitable for habitation and use. Meanwhile, investigations have begun to determine the exact causes, with the initial suspicion focusing on the hotel chimney. There were no casualties, as the timely evacuation of the guests prevented more serious consequences.