Mulch on an exterior wall at Bella Vista Suites caught fire Monday and circulated smoke throughout the building from an air intake unit.
An activated fire alarm called the Lake Geneva Fire Department to the hotel at 335 Wrigley Drive at about 4:10 a.m. Monday.
Assistant Chief Pat Heindl found heavy smoke in the lower level of Bella Vista Suites. Because of the volume of smoke and life safety concerns in the multi-story complex, he requested mutual aid to the Box Alarm level. The alert brought additional fire companies from 12 surrounding communities to the scene.
Fire was located in mulch on an exterior wall, with an air intake spreading smoke throughout the building, according to the fire department. The building was evacuated, the fire was extinguished and the smoke was ventilated. No injuries were reported. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation. Crews returned to quarters at 6:30 a.m.
