ALBERT LEA, Minn. — Monday's fire at the Ramada Inn has raised concerns about safety in older hotels in the area. Officials emphasize the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent such incidents.

Albert Lea Fire Chief Jeff Laskowski highlighted that older hotels face similar challenges as older homes. The recent fire was triggered by a malfunctioning HVAC unit.

"All HVAC units should be, all heating appliances should be inspected annually by somebody certified to do it," Laskowski said. "We still may miss a few things, but you're more likely to catch issues ahead of time."

Evacuations during fires can be complex, as guests sometimes ignore alarms, creating additional risks for firefighters.

"By not evacuating, you create more hazards for the fire department," said La

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