Conclusion

The combination of early warning, limited combustible contents,occupant familiarity, and fast fire department action in evacuation were the prime factors which contributed to the successful outcome of the fire. The addition of a sprinkler system, a fire alarm system, rated selfclosing doors, and enclosed stairwells could have helped to reduce losses and the risk to the occupants. All of these recommendations are included in the requirements or requests of the McAllen Fire Department for reconstruction of the hotel. Further, losses and risk may have been reduced if a fire safety plan had been developed. A proper hotel fire safety plan, if provided, would likely have included training which instructed the staff to have called the Fire Department immediately upon any indication of a potential fire. In addition, such a plan would likely have contained provisions to prohibit a guest from returning to a fire area to fight a fire and provisions for evacuation of guests in a fire emergency.