An ice-themed hotel in Canada was forced to evacuate its guests on Tuesday after a small fire broke out in the building.
According to local authorities, a blaze broke out inside one of the 45 guest rooms at the Village Vacances Valcartier winter park in Quebec, Canada, a complex completely made out of ice.
‘When I received the phone call they had to repeat twice that there was a fire in the ice hotel,’ said manager Jacques Desbois.
A blaze broke out inside one of the 45 guest rooms at the Village Vacances Valcartier (pictured) winter park in Quebec, Canada on Tuesday
The manager of the hotel said he struggled to convince guests to evacuate the ice-complex after informing them of the fire
CBC News reported that the fire caused little damage to the structure itself. But smoke quickly seeped through the corridors of the hotel, leading staff to take cautionary measures to protect its customers.
An investigation into the fire is underway. Desbois told CBC News that an electrical problem has already been ruled out as a possibility.
The hotel closed until Wednesday evening as crews dealt with the cleanup
‘In a room made out of ice and snow there are few clues to look at,’ he said.
A guest that spoke to Radio-Canada claims the fire started when a candle fell atop a sleeping bag in one of the rooms.
Desbois did not address the claim, but said that candles are provided in every room to help create ambiance. The hotel would be investigating the possibility, Desbois added.
At least 33 guests were staying at the Vacances Valcartier during the incident.
The couple staying in the room where the blaze began were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, said local authorities, and released shortly thereafter.
‘Everyone responded the accurate way to make this was an event from which we can learn, and make sure this first time will be the last time in the hotel’s life,’ said Desbois.
Cleaning crews closed the hotel until Wednesday evening, preparing the ice-complex for guests and new arrivals.
‘Hôtel de Glace is like a giant igloo,’ said Desbois. ‘Air and dust settles on the snow. So we’re already hard at work cleaning up.’
Desbois said he struggled somewhat to convince guests that ‘there really was a fire in the igloo’ before getting everyone to evacuate.
A guest that spoke to Radio-Canada claims the fire started when a candle fell atop a sleeping bag in one of the rooms