Burning rags led to the evacuation of the Comfort Inn in Wilkins on Thursday afternoon.

Volunteer firefighters from several communities responded to the hotel off Rodi Road shortly before 3:40 p.m.

“We were alerted by management to smoke in the building in a three-story hotel,” Wilkins Fire Chief Jason Davis said. “Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming out the back door. The fire department made access to the laundry room and, after extensive review, found a large 55-gallon drum of rags on fire.”

About 75 people, including guests and workers, were inside at the time. No injuries were reported.

The fire was contained to the pile of laundry rags.

Davis said it may have been caused by a chemical reaction. No foul play is suspected.

Crews from Monroeville, Churchill and Edgewood assisted Wilkins.

Responders began clearing the scene shortly before 4:30 p.m.

Crews also responded to a fire alarm at the Comfort Inn around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. Davis said a faulty smoke detector resulted in that call.

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