Fire breaks out at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport

NEWPORT, R.I. — A late-night fire prompted a large emergency response at the historic Castle Hill Inn in Newport on Thursday.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the Ocean Drive landmark around 9:30 p.m. after reports of smoke and flames coming from the back portion of the property. When firefighters arrived, fire conditions were confirmed and crews immediately began operations.

Everyone inside the inn was safely evacuated while firefighters carried out extensive searches and worked to contain the fire. Suppression efforts were concentrated in the upper sections of the building, including the attic, to prevent further damage.

Multiple departments assisted Newport firefighters, including crews from the Newport Naval Station and neighboring communities such as Jamestown, Middletown, Portsmouth, North Kingstown, Bristol, and Kingston. The Providence Canteen also responded to support personnel at the scene.

Fire officials reported the blaze was brought under control shortly after midnight. The inn later confirmed that lodging arrangements were made on the property for guests affected by the incident.

Investigators have not yet released the cause of the fire.

Castle Hill Inn occupies a scenic 40-acre site overlooking Narragansett Bay and features a central inn along with several standalone cottages. The property dates back to the late 19th century, originally constructed as a seasonal residence before transitioning into an inn in the postwar era.