Roof blaze hits 18th century hotel during maintenance

Image: London Fire Brigade

Around 100 firefighters were called to a blaze at a spa building adjoining an 18th century hotel in Richmond, Surrey on Tuesday, after the entire roof caught fire.

The Richmond Harbour Hotel Spa was undergoing maintenance by contractors when the fire broke out, according to its owners, although the cause is not yet known.

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Part of the adjoining hotel also caught alight, while hotel guests and around 300 people in surrounding buildings had to be evacuated, according to the London Fire Brigade.

Image: London Fire Brigade

Station manager Mike Cotton said: "Firefighters worked hard in very challenging conditions to bring the fire under control. We expect to be at the scene working throughout the day today (1 May) to extinguish remaining deep-seated pockets of fire.

"The fire was in an annexe building and had been producing a lot of smoke.

In a statement, Habour Hotels, which operates the venue, said: “It is with regret that a fire at the Richmond Harbour Hottel Spa has caused extensive roof damage.

“The cause is as yet unknown but maintenance was being carried out on the roof by external contractors.

“Fortunately due to the efforts of the emergency services, the damage was largely contained to the spa and we are extremely grateful.”

There were no reported injuries and Harbour Hotels pledged to immediately restore the spa.

The blaze comes less than a month after a huge fire at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, which was undergoing restoration work, caused extensive damage.