The old Hotel Reed Nursing Home was virtually destroyed Saturday by an early-morning blaze which gutted most of the dilapidated facility. Bay St. Louis Fire Department Shift Captain Monty Strong said the blaze was reported about 3:30 a.m. The fire apparently began on the north-side of the building and quickly spread thanks to stiff winds coming from the Bay of St. Louis. Bay St. Louis had four fire engines battling the blaze and the Bayside and West Hancock Fire Departments both sent ladder trucks to the scene. The fire sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the air which could be seen for miles. No other homes or structures in the area suffered any fire damage and there were apparently no injuries. Hotel Reed has not been operational for years. The building itself was damaged after Hurricane Katrina and a public hearing for its demolition was held last month. Read full details inBy Wednesday’s Sea Coast Echo.
By Dwayne Bremer
The Sea Coast Echo
