Flames broke out before dawn Thursday at HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof on Commerce Drive in Florence, Kentucky, sending roughly 50 residents fleeing into the night. Boone County dispatchers confirmed the fire displaced about 50 people from the extended-stay property, though fire crews estimated a similar figure, and no injuries were reported.
According to FOX19, dispatch confirmed that dozens of residents were evacuated from the hotel at 7810 Commerce Dr. as the fire spread. The American Red Cross was summoned to assist the displaced residents, and the station said it would continue updating the story as details emerged. Local 12 reported that the fire broke out at approximately 4:46 a.m., with crews from Florence firefighters containing much of the damage near the front office while Florence police evacuated residents. The property sits off Burlington Pike near Interstate 75.
One guest's harrowing wake-up call illustrates just how sudden the danger became. A hotel guest told WCPO that they discovered the pre-dawn fire after hearing loud banging on the walls while playing video games, later describing the visible flames as looking like a “bonfire.” The account underscores how extended-stay guests, who often reside in these units for weeks or months at a time, were caught off guard by the blaze.
A Motel Built for Long-Term Stays
Lodging listings from Visit Cincy show the HomeTowne Studios facility contains 53 extended-stay guest rooms, located near the Florence Mall. With around 50 people displaced, the fire appears to have impacted nearly the entire property. Red Roof launched the HomeTowne Studios sub-brand nationally in 2018, according to a corporate press release carried by PR Newswire, to enter the economy extended-stay market with studio suites and full kitchenettes for guests needing affordable multi-week or long-term housing.
That business model means fires like this one carry outsized consequences for people staying there. For many of the roughly 50 people displaced early Thursday, the fire likely meant losing not just a hotel room but a home.
Local Agency Oversees the Scene
Florence Fire/EMS is led by Fire Chief Rodney Wren, according to City of Florence municipal records. The state fire marshal would investigate the fire.
Local health and safety oversight is also relevant to hotels and extended-stay facilities.
Not Florence's First Major Displacement
Florence Fire/EMS responds to fires.
The hotel is in Florence, Kentucky. The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents and arranged or sought temporary housing.
