College Station, October 25, 2025
News Summary
A fire erupted at the Rodeway Inn in College Station during renovation work, forcing a swift evacuation of workers and guests. The College Station Fire Department responded quickly, preventing the blaze from spreading. Initial investigations suggest the fire was caused by the improper use of a heat gun. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although some lanes on Texas Avenue were blocked by emergency response activities. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols during renovations at the hotel, which is amidst a modernization project.
College Station experienced an alarming fire at the Rodeway Inn, formerly known as La Quinta Hotel, during ongoing renovation work on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which erupted around 3 p.m., triggered quick evacuation efforts for both workers and guests as flames engulfed a significant portion of the hotel roof.
Thick smoke could be seen billowing into the sky above one of the busiest intersections in Aggieland, forcing the College Station Fire Department (CSFD) to spring into action. Firefighters swiftly took control of the situation, preventing the fire from spreading and ultimately consuming the entire building. Immediate reports indicate that the fire originated from the roof, where contractors were performing renovation activities.
Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary findings suggest that it may be linked to the improper use of a heat gun on the roofing material. The blaze notably affected the attic space over the lobby and office area of the hotel, creating concern among those in the vicinity.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries due to the incident. Firefighters from the nearby City of Bryan also responded promptly to assist CSFD in combating the flames. In the aftermath of the firefighting efforts, some lanes along Texas Avenue were temporarily blocked due to emergency response activities.
While there were some guests staying at the Rodeway Inn at the time of the fire, it remains uncertain whether they will need to be relocated. Fortunately, no nearby buildings were impacted by the flames, although the smoke and emergency response created significant disruption in the area. Fire crews remained on-site following the incident to ensure safety and to address any lingering dangers. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area during the emergency.
This fire incident is part of a series of renovations the Rodeway Inn has been undergoing to modernize and enhance the facilities. As officials continue their investigations into the cause of the fire, updates will be provided regarding the future occupancy and renovations planned for the hotel.
Fire Incident Summary
- Location: Rodeway Inn, College Station, Texas
- Time of Fire: Approximately 3 p.m., Thursday
- Cause: Under investigation; linked to improper use of a heat gun
- Injuries: None reported
- Emergency Response: CSFD, assisted by City of Bryan firefighters
- Building Impacted: Roof and attic space over lobby and office area
- Guests: Uncertainty about displacement
Background Context
The Rodeway Inn is a well-known establishment located near the heart of College Station, a city that serves as a hub for students and visitors alike, often bustling due to its proximity to Texas A&M University. The hotel has been undergoing renovations for updates in facilities and guest services. This incident underscores the importance of safety measures during construction and renovation work, particularly concerning electrical and heating equipment.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rodeway Inn, College Station |
| Time of Incident | 3 p.m. Thursday |
| Cause | Heat gun misuse |
| Injuries | None |
| Emergency Response | CSFD and City of Bryan Firefighters |
| Impact | Roof and attic over lobby area |
| Nearby Buildings | No impact reported |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KBTX: Hotel Damaged by Fire
- Wikipedia: Firefighting
- WTAW: Fire on the Roof
- Google Search: College Station fire
- KBTX: 18-Wheeler Catches Fire
- Google Scholar: Fire Investigation
- KBTX: New Firehouse Offers Accommodations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- KBTX: Hidden Fire Starters
- Google News: Fire Incident College Station
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
