An early Wednesday morning fire at Hotel Pattee in Perry was handled quickly thanks to the Perry Police and Fire departments.

According to Assistant Fire Chief Brian Eiteman, the fire started just before 3 a.m. in a wicker clothes hamper in the kitchen which contained rags. Police officers were first on the scene and they were able to knock the fire down with extinguishers to keep it from spreading. They were also able to evacuate all the guests and staff of the hotel, and there were no injuries reported. The Fire Department was able to completely extinguish the fire, keeping the damage to a minimum. Eiteman reports that there was some smoke and fire extinguisher powder damage in the kitchen, but said it should be easily cleaned.

Hotel Pattee General Manager Aaron Lenz confirmed that, saying that Harvey’s will be closed today as they clean up the kitchen. Lenz believes it should be a quick clean-up and the restaurant will hopefully reopen tomorrow. Eiteman says the fire is currently under investigation as they try to figure out what it was that ignited it. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.