‘Started to explode’: Fire breaks out at Surfers Paradise hotel

A fire has broken out on a Surfers Paradise hotel on the Gold Coast, with a ball of flames seen falling from the roof of the building.

A fire has broken out at a Surfers Paradise hotel on the Gold Coast, with shock footage capturing a ball of flames dropping from the roof of the building.

Emergency services were called to the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel on Orchid Avenue after the blaze broke just before 2am, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson said the fire started on the roof of the hotel’s western tower before ambers fell onto the pool deck below, sparking a secondary spot fire.

The fire broke out early on Friday morning. Picture: Facebook/Joevy Lyn

The blaze ignited on the roof. Picture: Facebook

One resident, Joevy Lyn, filmed the moment the bright ball of fire plunged from the top level of the luxury hotel.

“The H on top of the Hilton building just started to catch on fire and then it all started to explode,” one witness, Tammie Klosterman told 7News, adding “it was quite intense”.

Six crews rushed to the scene to extinguish the two fires, with both blazes put out in under an hour by 2.40am.

Paramedics said 432 residents and holiday-makers staying in the hotel were ordered to evacuate the building.

Guests were later allowed to return at about 5.30am.

In a statement, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences said all guests and staff were safe following the fire and normal hotel operations have resumed.
“The safety of our guests and team members remains our utmost priority,” it said in a statement.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response and to our guests for their patience and cooperation.”

Police confirmed no one was injured during the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Police said initial investigations indicate the fire is non-suspicious.