State fire marshal urges safety in motels, hotels

OLYMPIA —As vacation season continues, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding travelers to prioritize fire safety during their stays in temporary lodging.  

According to a press release from the State Fire Marshal's Office there is an annual nationwide average of 3,900 hotel and motel fires causing an average of 15 deaths and 100 injuries. The report says fire emergencies can happen unexpectedly and in any location. In 2023, Washington State experienced 106 fires in temporary lodging, resulting in two injuries and over $2,000,000 in property and content loss.  

To ensure the safety of travelers, the State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends staying at hotels equipped with fire sprinklers and hard-wired smoke alarms whenever possible. Other safety tips include checking for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and a sprinkler system in the lodging, thoroughly reviewing evacuation routes with other travelers and knowing the locations of exits and fire alarms.  

In the event of a fire, staying low to avoid smoke inhalation, taking the stairs and calling 911 upon exiting the building are crucial steps to protecting anyone involved in a hotel fire.  

For more information on fire safety in temporary lodging, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3904.