Investigators say Sunday morning fire at Best Western Hotel in Hannibal caused by electrical issue

HANNIBAL, Mo. — At approximately 6:32 AM, the Hannibal Fire Department responded at 6:32 a.m. Sunday to a reported fire in the bathroom of the Best Western hotel, 401 N. Third in Hannibal.

Upon arrival, fire crews discovered that the fire was initially controlled by the hotel’s sprinkler system. Eight Hannibal Fire Department personnel were on the scene, and an additional eight firefighters were called in from the incoming shift to assist with the evacuation operation. Three more firefighters responded from the Hannibal Fire Department administration team to support evacuation operations.

The fire was quickly extinguished by the sprinkler system, and any remaining hot spots were successfully eliminated by fire crews during overhaul operations. Hotel guests were evacuated and relocated to the adjacent annex building of the hotel for safety.

The Hannibal Police Department, Marion County Ambulance, Hannibal Building Inspectors office, Marion County Health Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted.

Fire investigators from the Hannibal Fire Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene. They determined the fire to be accidental and caused by an electrical issue.