SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Fire Department successfully extinguished a fire at the Huntley Hotel on Saturday, December 9 after receiving multiple reports from hotel guests and staff.
According to a press release from the SMFD, the first call for assistance was received by the department at 7:26 p.m. Fire crews arrived at the scene several minutes later and noticed the fire burning on the 18th floor inside the Huntley Hotel’s restaurant, The Penthouse.
Restaurant staff reportedly used fire extinguishers to control the blaze. Upon arriving on the 18th floor, firefighters took approximately 18 minutes to fully extinguish the fire. The conflagration was exacerbated by moderate offshore winds that entered the restaurant through a broken window. Most of the destruction was confined to the exterior of the building. The Penthouse suffered light fire and smoke damage.
Seven people at the scene were treated for smoke inhalation and shock by paramedics. None of the first responders involved in the incident sustained any injuries. Firefighters from the Santa Monica Fire Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and officers from the Santa Monica Police Department all participated in the emergency response efforts.
Investigators have not determined the official cause of the fire, but do not suspect arson. The incident is still under investigation by the SMFD.
