Police to investigate cause of fire at Gwynedd hotel
BBCEmergency services will carry out a joint investigation into a large fire at hotel in Gwynedd.
The blaze broke out in the attic of the Queen's Hotel in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd at 11:09 BST on Saturday, with the incident declared over at 19:33 BST.
Flames could be seen shooting through the roof of the historic building on the town's High Street
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said there were no injuries and took time to account for everyone in the building.
North Wales Police and the fire service will launch an investigation into the incident on Monday to identify the cause of the blaze.
The historic building suffered 100% fire damage to the second floor and roof space, which included attic rooms.
The first floor was extensively damaged by the water used in the firefighting operation.
At one point there were six fire crews at the scene, along with an aerial ladder appliance and an incident command unit.
Cyngor Gwynedd Councillor Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn, who represents Bowydd and Rhiw ward said the fire was "shocking", and it was "heart-breaking".
He said people used the hotel for conducting meetings and "it's a place where a lot of people in need of a home live".
He added the council "worked quickly in finding shelter" for those in need for the night and over the weekend.
People were advised to avoid the area and residents were to keep doors and windows closed due to the substantial amount of smoke.
The hotel dates to 1867. It was renovated by Punch Taverns in 2012 before being taken over by local business people in 2020.