Hotel Deemed Unsafe, Residents Moved to Red Cross Shelter

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A Springfield hotel was evacuated after fire officials deemed it unsafe due to a sprinkler and fire alarm system that doesnt work.

According to the City of Springfield, the American Inn near I-44 and Hwy 65 was evacuated Monday.

Fire officials say fire code requires buildings that have sprinkler systems must maintain those systems in working order for the safety of the occupants and the protection of the building, but the American Inns systems are inoperable.

Assistant Fire Chief David Pennington said a sprinkler system company notified the Springfield Fire Department that the sprinkler system in the three-story building was not working.

The American Inn provides pay-by-the week accommodations and about 8-10 residents were displaced to a shelter coordinated by the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross also gave the displaced residents with a card that will pay for food and lodging for three days, with expenses to be paid by American Inn.

The management of the American Inn is cooperating with us and is focused on the safety of the residents, Pennington said in a statement.

The Fire Chief says the building will not be occupied until cleared by a fire marshal.

Management has been advised that the building is not to be occupied until cleared by a fire marshal.

Springfields Building Development Services has also revoked the buildings certificate of occupancy until the safety issues are addressed. It is unknown at this time how long it may take.

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Hotel Deemed Unsafe, Residents Moved to Red Cross Shelter