Investigation Continues in Hotel Structure Fire

Published on January 09, 2026

AMES, Iowa – A fire on Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Ames Econo Lodge, 2600 SE 16th St., remains under investigation. Ames Fire crews responded to an automatic fire alarm at the hotel just after 6 p.m. While enroute, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames visible from a second-floor room on the west side of the east wing of the hotel. The room was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and the fire was contained to the room.

Hotel occupants were safely relocated to another wing of the building, and no injuries were reported.

The Ames Fire Department reminds the public to use only manufacturer-approved charging devices for electronics containing lithium-ion batteries and to avoid charging devices on beds or other soft furniture, as these conditions can increase the risk of fire.

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