Overview

• The blaze ignited on the top floor around 5 a.m. on August 26 and took firefighters from multiple stations several hours to control, local reports say.
• No one was inside the former Kress Building when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported, according to Erin Napier.
• Laurel Fire Department Chief Leo Brown said the department has opened an investigation into the cause.
• The 25,000-square-foot, 30-room hotel had just begun taking spring 2026 reservations and its restoration was being documented for HGTV’s Home Town: Inn This Together.
• The hotel team and owners expressed grief but vowed to rebuild, as fellow HGTV personalities and fans offered public support and offers to help.