Fire at NH oceanfront hotel is fanned by wind, destroys block of 6-8 businesses; no injuries

NH hotel fire spreads, destroys block; no injuries

HAMPTON, N.H. — New Hampshire firefighters say a blaze that started in an unoccupied oceanfront hotel and was fanned by winds near hurricane force destroyed an entire block before it was put out.

Fire Capt. David Lang says the fire erupted late Thursday or early Friday in the unoccupied three-story Surf Hotel in Hampton, a densely populated community along the Atlantic coast an hour’s drive north of Boston. He says flames from the wood-frame building quickly spread to another four buildings on the block.

There have been no reports of injuries.

Hampton is home to Hampton Beach State Park, a popular summer destination. The Surf Hotel is on Ocean Boulevard, which is lined with hotels, condos, restaurants and arcades. The strip is central to the region’s bustling summer economy but usually is quiet in the winter.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire firefighters say a blaze that started in an unoccupied oceanfront hotel and was fanned by winds near hurricane force has destroyed an entire block.

Fire Capt. David Lang says the fire erupted late Thursday or early Friday in the unoccupied three-story Surf Hotel in Hampton, a densely populated community along the Atlantic coast an hour’s drive north of Boston. He says flames from the wood-frame building quickly spread to another four buildings on the block.

There have been no reports of injuries.

Hampton is home to Hampton Beach State Park, a popular summer destination. The Surf Hotel is on Ocean Boulevard, which is lined with hotels, condos, restaurants and arcades. The strip is central to the region’s bustling summer economy but usually is quiet in the winter.