The Brownwood Fire Department issued the following press release Thursday morning regarding Wednesday night’s fire at the site of the former OYO Hotel, located at 515 East Commerce:
At 6:17 p.m. Wednesday, E9, E93, E92, C9, C93, C92 responded to a report of heavy black smoke coming from 515 E. Commerce – The OYO Hotel. Arriving crews found heavy fire conditions on the second floor on the east side of the structure. E93 was the first arriving engine and used their deck gun to quickly knock the fire down. One pre connect (1″3/4 hose line) was then pulled to completely extinguish the fire. Early FD E88 and C8 assisted in fire operations. Fire was contained to the room of origin. Extension was found in the utility chase between rooms and quickly contained. Crews extinguished all hot spots during overhaul. No injuries to Fire Department personnel or civilians, no damage to equipment. All units cleared the scene.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined and under investigation. Damages are estimated at $75,000. The fire was under control in 24 minutes and units were on the scene for a total of two hours and 55 minutes.
Less than a month ago, on December 29, 2022, two women were charged with stealing copper wiring from the vacant hotel.
BrownwoodNews.com previously reported that the OYO Hotel was closed on Aug. 27, 2021 after receiving numerous citations of violation by the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department.
An inspection of the facility at the time found:
- 60 rooms with building code violations
- 52 rooms with cockroaches
- 47 rooms with Fire Code violations
- 45 rooms with bed bugs
- 28 rooms with mold
- 13 rooms with mice or rats
Citations were also issued for unsecured rooms, excessive vegetation, and illegal dumping.
Hotel owner Thomas Ung was assessed a fine of $4,400 by the City that was to be paid by Nov. 20, 2021. If the fine was not paid in time and the violations not remedied, additional fines would accrue. Foreclosure ultimately resulted from the lack of the fines being paid, and the property was purchased on Sept. 6, 2022 by Squirrels’ Real Estate LLC out of Lufkin.
However, Ung has the chance to reclaim the property within 180 days, if all fines are paid, according to Tim Murray, City of Brownwood Director of Planning and Development. But if the sale is finalized to Squirrels’ Real Estate LLC, Murray stated plans are for the new owner to begin work on redeveloping the property in March.