Majestic Hotel still burns; partial demolition in works

As the Majestic Hotel continued to burn after dark Thursday, fi refighters from Lake Hamilton, 70 West and Middleton volunteer fire departments joined in battling the flames.
As the Majestic Hotel continued to burn after dark Thursday, fi refighters from Lake Hamilton, 70 West and Middleton volunteer fire departments joined in battling the flames.

HOT SPRINGS — Firefighters continue to battle the blaze at Hot Springs' historic Majestic Hotel on Friday, while making plans to demolish the building's oldest section in an effort to help protect nearby structures.

Officials closed the 100 and 200 blocks of Park Avenue and set up checkpoints nearby, with access allowed for those with "essential business downtown," city spokesman Terry Payne said in a news release. The National Park Service road to the Mountain Tower is also closed.

Meanwhile, Garland County Judge Rick Davis has contacted Gov. Mike Beebe's office to request an emergency declaration.

Hot Springs residents have been asked to help by conserving water, as firefighters expect to work for days to extinguish the fire. The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts will close at noon, with students returning to campus on Monday afternoon.

Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

The Majestic Hotel burns in downtown Hot Springs.

The Majestic Hotel fire

Video available Watch Video
The Majestic Hotel burns in downtown Hot Springs.

Majestic Hotel fire

Video available Watch Video

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