“The actions of the citizens and the Captain saved lives,” the department said. In a Facebook post, the hotel confirmed that all employees and guests were safely evacuated and accounted for. But the flames raged and spread to several other buildings, with “extensive fire” growing in at least two of the structures despite efforts by firefighters to contain the blaze, the fire department said. “The fire could not be contained to the building involved and has spread to several surrounding buildings,” the department said in its news release. “The damage to the structures involved is extensive with several of the buildings being total losses.” No civilian injuries were reported, but two firefighters were taken from the scene for possible heat exhaustion and a third for a back injury, the department said. Firefighters were still on the scene as of 2:30 p.m. and were expected to remain “for an extended period of time,” the department said. In a statement, police asked people to avoid the area.Videos shared on social media on Saturday showed the historic hotel engulfed in flames. The Veranda House, a 17th-century building, was completely renovated in 2020, according to the Nantucket Resort Collection website. The 18-room boutique hotel offers a “unique combination of sophisticated aesthetics and relaxed luxury” overlooking the harbor, according to the website. CNN reached out to local fire and police departments, the city council and local nearby businesses.
