Drake Hotel Fire: Officials Say 200-Plus Displaced, 3 Injured

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — It was not the Christmas morning that more than 100 residents of the Drake Hotel had expected. An early morning fire forced them into the street and cold.

The fire, which grew to a fourth alarm, broke out just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

Firefighters were still battling the hotel blaze after 4 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Fire Department.

Officials say that the cause remains under investigation.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire conditions on the hotel's second floor. The fire had spread through four units, then up to the building's attic.

Three people were rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center. There's no word yet on the nature and severity of injuries.

More than 200 people were displaced by the fire, according to the Star Tribune.

The Minnesota Red Cross was assisting the victims.

Incredible how many donations have been dropped off to help the families affected by the fire.

Salvation Army asks that people bring donations to their thrift stores instead of to the scene & tell the store the donation is for the Drake Hotel apartment fire. @KSTP pic.twitter.com/gI3seV1YgH
— Callan Gray (@CallanGrayNews) December 25, 2019