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September 20, 2008

Westport Hotel fire quickly controlled

* Use of outdoor floodlight inside determined as cause

By ALVIN REINER

WESTPORT-- Firefighters from several communities responded to an early morning fire Friday at the Westport Hotel.

The fire apparently started when a floodlight used as a lamp became too hot and ignited materials near it. The fire was confined to one room after being reported at 5:12 a.m. and quickly extinguished. Investigators were at the hotel until 10:20 a.m.

It was determined as "accidental," said Jack Hanby speaking for the Essex County Fire Investigation Unit after spending hours looking into the probable cause. They determined the guest had been using an outdoor floodlight in the room.

"He was extremely apologetic," Hanby said. "He thought he had unplugged it."

The guest, who was not identified by the Deswarts, reportedly was Dennis Jennings, formerly of New York City.

The Westport Hotel is owned and managed by Wayne and Doris Deswart and their son, Wayne Jr.

There were only two people at the hotel at the time, Wayne Deswert Jr. who manages the hotel, and the guest in the room in which the blaze started.

Deswert Jr. was asleep at the time and was taken to the Elizabethtown Community Hospital due to smoke inhalation. He has been subsequently released, said his father Wayne Sr., but has no memory of what occurred.

Though the hotel had only one guest this week, "We were sold out for next week, and have no idea when we can re-open," Wayne Sr. said. The hotel planned to open a new pub this weekend to increase business as the fall season was about to gear up.

Deswert Sr. had high praise for the responders. "They were outstanding. They quickly and effectively got things under control." Firefighters and equipment from Westport, Wadhams, Whallonsburg, Elizabethtown, Port Henry, Mineville and Witherbee responded, while Willsboro and North Hudson were on stand-by. The Westport Emergency Squad also responded.

"It is impossible to estimate the amount of damage right now," said Deswert Sr. He indicated that there was extensive smoke and water damage, to the walls and carpet. "The whole second floor is unusable." The hotel has insurance.

A popular dining spot, the Westport Hotel was built circa 1876, and purchased by the Deswerts in May 2007. It is located across the road from the Essex County Fairgrounds, and adjacent to the Westport train station and Depot Theater.

rondackrambler@yahoo.com

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