Hollywood hotel fire forces guests to leap from building to escape smoke, flames

Guests staying at a hotel in Hollywood were forced to jump from the building early Friday morning after flames and smoke trapped them inside when a fire broke out.

According to information provided by Hollywood Fire Rescue, crews responded to reports of a fire at a hotel in the 2900 block of Polk Street just after 2 a.m.

When crews arrived, they said they located a fire on the east side of the building, which they said was quickly brought under control.

However, before fire crews arrived, witnesses said that guests were forced to jump from windows to escape the blaze.

"The room directly above me, I think it was a family there, and I helped a lady and her two kids get down," Carlos Collins said. "She handed her baby over the balcony, and another gentleman was there to help. It was just about trying to help people who were getting off that second floor."

Hollywood Fire Rescue said that two people from the second floor were evaluated for smoke inhalation and declined transport to the hospital.

Two other people were evaluated for minor injuries they received while escaping the building, Hollywood Fire Rescue said.

Hollywood Fire Rescue said that the fire appeared to be accidental and electrical in nature.

"Importantly, the building's smoke alarms operated exactly as they should, providing early warning and allowing occupants to evacuate quickly," Hollywood Fire Rescue said in a statement.

Fire officials said they are encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms regularly and to replace batteries as needed.