SEATTLE — The Seattle Fire Department says a small fire that prompted the temporary evacuation of some guests at the downtown Westin Hotel caused $40,000 worth of damage.
Fire spokesman Kyle Moore says no one was injured in the smoky Wednesday afternoon fire and guests were being allowed back in by about 5 p.m.
Seattlepi.com reports that Moore says workers were welding in a fourth floor bathroom and ignited some insulation in the ceiling. The smoke traveled through a void space up to the 10th, 11th and 12th floors, prompting hotel staff to call for a precautionary evacuation.
Moore says it took about an hour to put the fire out. Fire crews also used fans to clear the smoke.
Traffic was diverted in the area while fire and police responded.
A hotel spokesman declined to comment.
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