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Kelso Today
By the People, for the People
Massive Fire Destroys Part of Red Lion Hotel in Kelso, Washington
Firefighters battle 2-alarm blaze at 160-room hotel, no injuries reported
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A large fire broke out at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso, Washington on Saturday afternoon, causing significant damage to the center portion of the 160-room hotel. Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the 2-alarm blaze, which appeared to have started in the lobby and restaurant area. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials say the hotel's fire safety features helped slow the spread of the flames.
Why it matters
The Red Lion Hotel is a major lodging option in the Kelso-Longview area, and its destruction by fire is a significant loss for the local economy and community. The incident also raises questions about fire safety protocols at hotels and the potential need for increased inspections or regulations to prevent such large-scale property damage in the future.
The details
Firefighters were called to the Red Lion Hotel around 1:30 PM on Saturday after reports of smoke and flames coming from the center of the building. Crews from Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue and other agencies responded and found the lobby and restaurant area engulfed. While the fire did not spread to a long wing of hotel rooms, it caused the roof to partially collapse in the affected areas. Authorities say the hotel's fire breaks and other safety features helped slow the blaze, but the center portion of the building was still smoldering well into the night.
- The fire was first reported around 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
- Firefighters battled the 2-alarm blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.
- As of early Sunday morning, March 10, 2026, portions of the building were still smoldering slightly.
The players
Red Lion Hotel Kelso-Longview
A 160-room hotel located in Kelso, Washington that was heavily damaged by a fire on March 9, 2026.
Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue
The fire department that responded to the 2-alarm fire at the Red Lion Hotel along with other local agencies.
What’s next
Investigators will continue looking into the cause of the fire, and the hotel's owners will need to assess the extent of the damage and determine if the property can be repaired and reopened.
The takeaway
The devastating fire at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso highlights the importance of robust fire safety measures and emergency preparedness at hotels and other large commercial buildings. This incident will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of fire codes and inspections to help prevent similar catastrophic losses in the future.
