Cause Of Fire At Landmark New Hope Inn Appears Accidental: Chief

NEW HOPE, PA — The cause of Monday night's fire at the Logan Inn appears to be accidental in nature, according to the chief of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company.

Chief Gary Breuer reported that the fire that damaged the popular hotel and restaurant at 10 West Ferry Street remains under investigation by the Bucks County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Firefighters responded to the historic building around 7:30 p.m. for a smoky condition on the third floor. When firefighters arrived at the scene at 7:28 p.m., they found the fire alarm sounding with a heavy smoke condition on the third floor and flames visible from the roof.

According to the chief, the first fire officer to arrive on the third floor observed water coming out of a guest room from under the door. That door was forced open and a heavy smoke condition was found inside the room, with water flowing from the ceiling area. No fire was visible in the room, indicating that the fire was above that area, said the chief.

Firefighters on the scene at the Logan. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A handline was stretched from Quint 46 up the interior fire stairs to the third floor and then through a roof access hatch to extinguish the fire on the roof. A second line was stretched from the standpipe connection on the third floor.

An extensive amount of overhaul was required to make sure that the fire was fully extinguished, as it had burned into the spaces between the roof joists, between the roof deck and the 3rd floor ceiling, said the chief.

While that operation was underway, the chief said additional fire crews conducted primary and secondary searches of all floors of the building to ensure everyone was evacuated. Other units secured a water supply from two different hydrants in the area, which required the closure of several roads in the area for a period of time, including South Main Street and Ferry Road.

There were no reported injuries. Hotel staff worked to find accommodations for evacuated guests.

According to the fire marshal's office, the hotel will remain closed until repairs can be made. The fire marshal described the damage to the building as "extensive."

Responding agencies included: New Hope Eagle Fire Company, City of Lambertville Fire Department, Midway Volunteer Fire Company, Delaware Township Fire Company, West Amwell Fire Company, Upper Makefield Fire Company, Lambertville–New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad, Central Bucks EMS, New Hope Borough Police Department, Point Pleasant Fire Company (Engine to cover New Hope) and Doylestown Fire Company (Ladder to cover New Hope).