According to the Brady Standard newspaper’s Facebook page, a lightning strike Thursday afternoon sparked a major fire at the Brady Holiday Inn Express & Suites, causing extensive damage to the hotel’s roof and third floor. Early reports indicate the building could be considered a total loss.

The fire began around 3:45 p.m. after lightning struck the north side of the building’s roof near South Bridge Street. First responders arrived quickly to assess the damage, but flames soon broke through the roof, prompting additional departments to be called in for mutual aid.

By 6 p.m., crews from the Brownwood Fire Department had arrived with a ladder truck to help firefighters reach the upper portions of the structure. The fire was brought under control by approximately 7 p.m., though crews remained on scene into the night monitoring for possible hot spots. No damage was reported to surrounding businesses.

Only a small number of guests were inside the hotel at the time of the fire, and all guests and staff members evacuated safely without reported injuries.

Community support quickly followed the emergency response, with the The Salvation Army providing meals for first responders from Chicken Express and Boondocks, while Domino’s Pizza donated pizzas. Local residents also delivered bottled water and other supplies to crews working the scene.