Former Seaway Hotel slated for demolition within 30 days
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The cause of the fire at the former Seaway Hotel is listed as undetermined, but there had been three warming fires set there since around Christmas, according to Deputy Chief Jon Otis.
"We suspect it maybe a human caused fire. But due to the extensive damage, it’s unsafe for investigators to get in and do a more thorough investigation," Otis said.
He also shared that the city has issued the Duluth HRA a demolition order.
"They have 30 days to tear down the building, and they are working as quickly as they can to honor the 30 day deadline. They can’t move forward till January 24th. But anytime after January 24th, they should be able to begin the demo."
A large fence surrounds the whole property.
A demolition order means the former Seaway will likely be torn down within 30 days.[WDIO]
RELATED STORY: Fire crews battle large fire at old Seaway Hotel in Duluth
A major fire that took more than six hours to extinguish, destroyed the former Seaway Hotel building on Monday, January 10. Several blocks were closed off as firefighters battled the blaze. The call came in shortly after 7:30 a.m. with a report of heavy fire on the first floor and by 8:04 a.m. the fire extended to the second floor toward the rear of the building. Fire crews initially went inside the building but were pulled due to heavy fire and unsafe conditions, with the response moved to a defensive strategy.
Otis told us the HRA had demolition permits in November, but there had been a delay.