Updated Feb. 6 at 3:25 p.m.
The Newport Restaurant Group said Friday afternoon that damage from the overnight fire at Castle Hill Inn was “significant” but expressed confidence that the iconic Ocean Drive property would be restored.
“We are in the process of assessing the damage from last night’s fire. While significant, we are confident that we will restore Castle Hill and come back stronger,” the company said in a statement posted to social media at 3:15 p.m.
The group said its goal is to have the restaurant operational in the coming months in time for the season. Rooms and suites in the main inn will take longer to restore, but the Beach Houses, Beach Cottages, Harbor House, Chalet, and wedding venue were unharmed and the company said it hopes to reopen those accommodations soon.
Earlier Friday, Mick Lamond, president and CEO of the Newport Restaurant Group, said the company was working with local officials to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.
“We appreciate all of the first responders who worked throughout the night to put the fire out,” Lamond said Friday morning. He thanked the community for what he called an “incredible outpouring of support.”
Discover Newport, the official convention and visitors bureau for Newport and Bristol counties, said in a statement Friday afternoon that it was “deeply saddened by the fire at Castle Hill, an iconic part of our hospitality community.”
“We are grateful to learn there were no injuries reported and we thank first responders for their swift action,” the organization said. “Discover Newport stands ready to support recovery efforts and the Castle Hill team as they assess next steps.”
Crews responding to the hotel around 9:30 p.m. Thursday found smoke and flames coming from the roof in the back of the building, according to WPRI. A second alarm was called around 10 p.m., drawing mutual aid from Portsmouth and Providence. The fire was under control around midnight.
Firefighters encountered heavy fire in the attic, with flames shooting from the roof, according to scanner traffic monitored by RI Breaking News Scanner. Crews also dealt with a blowout on a water supply line during the firefight, the account reported.
The Portsmouth Fire Department said at 10:18 p.m. that it was sending Engine 1, Tower Ladder 1, and Car 2 for the structure fire.
Temperatures in Newport hovered around 17 degrees with a wind chill of 8 degrees as crews worked to extinguish the fire, according to the National Weather Service.
All guests and staff were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Hotel management provided on-property lodging for all guests affected by the fire, WPRI reported.
“Earlier tonight a fire broke out at Castle Hill Inn. All guests and staff were evacuated safely. We are incredibly thankful to first responders who are on property actively working to put the fire out,” Lamond said in a statement posted to social media late Thursday.
NBC 10 was first to report the fire, with reporter John Perik reporting from the scene. Smoke from the blaze could be seen from the Newport Pell Bridge, according to the station.
Thomas Shelvin, a spokesperson for the city, confirmed that Newport firefighters responded to the hotel but could not provide further details.
Castle Hill Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property set on 40 acres along Ocean Drive, is one of Newport’s most iconic destinations and part of the 100% employee-owned Newport Restaurant Group. The group operates 17 dining establishments across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The inn traces its origins to 1874, when marine biologist Alexander Agassiz of Harvard University commissioned the shingle-style mansion as a summer home. It became the first Rhode Island property to join the Relais & Châteaux family in 2008.
The inn, which reopened Jan. 30 following its annual winter hiatus, is home to Aurelia, a Forbes-recognized fine dining restaurant, and The Lawn Terrace.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.