Multiple trucks respond to hotel fire

POSTED: 6:05 am EST February 4, 2005
The Country Inn & Suites on Cross Creek Boulevard, near Washington Center and Lima roads, erupted in flames about 1 p.m., said Alex May, a witness at the scene.

Firefighters arrived almost immediately, he said. It took about 15 minutes for them to get set up, and shortly thereafter they extinguished the flames.

Within 40 minutes, eight trucks were on the scene from across the city.

There was no immediate indication anyone was hurt. Paramedics outside the hotel were waiting with a stretcher, however.

The fire appeared to have started on the third floor. Two rooms appeared to be charred. Firefighters were inside digging out material, and two firefighters were on the roof with chainsaws.

Repairs slow after hotel fire
DAVENPORT, Iowa Repairs on Davenport's historic Blackhawk Hotel are progressing slowly after it was damaged by fire in February.

Workers have been repairing smoke and water damage, but it isn't known when they'll be finished.

Two people have been arrested for allegedly starting the fire.

John Heberer and Melissa Elias, both from Illinois, have pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson, possession of explosive materials and drug possession with intent to deliver.

Police say the two were making methamphetamine in their eighth floor room. The fire caused extensive damage on the upper floors.

The hotel, which opened in 1915, is a National Historic Landmark. Celebrity guests have included Babe Ruth and Richard Nixon. Cary Grant was staying at the hotel when he died in 1986.