Hundreds of guests evacuated as fire breaks out at Aviemore hotel
Hundreds of guests had to be evacuated in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) after a fire broke-out at the Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel.
Firefighters have been dealing with the blaze at the hotel near Aviemore since 3.15am.
Smoke coming from the kitchen area set off the automatic fire alarm and hotel staff contacted the fire service. Two appliances, one from Aviemore and one from Kingussie, were sent to the scene.
Light smoke from the fire was affecting rooms on three floors of the hotel and 426 residents were evacuated as a precaution.
Guests were initially taken outside, but shortly afterwards and following an assessment of the incident by the fire service, they were provided with shelter in an unaffected area of the hotel.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager John MacDonald said: "No fire was immediately identifiable but it was evident there was fire somewhere in the hotel due to the smoke.
"Fire crews commenced a systematic search of the hotel, which involved checking all voids, wall spaces and roof spaces using a thermal imaging camera. The ventilation and heating systems were also checked.
"This search took a number of hours and with continued support from on-site staff and engineers crews finally located the seat of the fire at around 10am.
"The fire was found in a wooden baton which had been installed above an oven within the kitchen.
"It is estimated it had been smouldering for some time, but due to its location and the insulation around it, the fire was not likely to spread.
"The insulation also protected the fire from being seen during the use of thermal imaging equipment."
He added: "Once we identified the seat of the fire we used small tools to check for any evidence of further fire spread.
"The fire is now out and residents are able to return to their rooms."
Due to the smoke being light, the hotel has not suffered serious smoke damage.
