Fire Breaks Out at Hotel Puerto de Mogán: Guests Evacuated in Late-Night Emergency
Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria – May 23, 2025
In a terrifying turn of events, a fire broke out late Thursday night at the renowned Hotel Puerto de Mogán, sending hundreds of guests fleeing their rooms and prompting an immediate emergency response from local authorities. The blaze, which began shortly after 11:30 p.m., is believed to have started in the kitchen area of the hotel’s main restaurant before spreading to adjacent sections of the property.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing an initial “pop” sound followed by the smell of smoke, which quickly permeated the hallways of the seaside resort. The hotel, which was operating at 90% capacity due to a peak travel season, had over 230 guests staying on the premises at the time of the incident.
“I had just returned to my room when the fire alarm went off,” said Clara Jensen, a Danish tourist vacationing with her family. “At first, I thought it was a drill, but when I opened the door, smoke was already filling the hallway. We didn’t even stop to gather our things—we just ran.”
Fire crews from Mogán and the nearby towns of Arguineguín and Maspalomas responded within 15 minutes of the first emergency call. More than 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene, working through the night to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the upper levels of the hotel complex.
Authorities say the fire was brought under control around 2:45 a.m., though significant damage was sustained to the kitchen, restaurant, and part of the west wing’s ground floor. Luckily, no fatalities have been reported, although six individuals—three guests and three hotel employees—were treated for minor smoke inhalation. All were later released from Centro de Salud de Mogán, where they were kept under observation.
Fire Chief Carlos Navarro addressed the media at dawn, praising the swift actions of the hotel staff and first responders. “The hotel’s emergency protocols were followed properly, and we commend the staff for quickly evacuating guests and preventing panic,” he said. “Their preparedness undoubtedly saved lives.”
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial reports suggest an electrical fault in the kitchen may have triggered the outbreak. The hotel’s management has promised full cooperation with the authorities.
In a brief statement, hotel director Alicia Martín expressed gratitude that the situation had not escalated further. “Our number one priority has always been the safety of our guests and staff. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and distress this has caused,” she said. “We are working with authorities and fire safety experts to assess the damage and determine when we can safely reopen.”
Martín confirmed that the hotel will remain closed for at least one week while damage assessments and repairs are underway. Guests have been relocated to nearby partner hotels, and the resort is offering full refunds, free transport, and compensation for lost items.
Outside the hotel, the usually tranquil fishing village of Puerto de Mogán—a favorite among both European tourists and local weekenders—was unusually chaotic through the early hours of the morning. Streets were cordoned off, and onlookers gathered as thick plumes of smoke rose into the sky.
Local business owners nearby say the event was “shocking” but praised emergency teams for their efficiency. “This is a small town. Something like this shakes the whole community,” said Mateo Ramírez, owner of a cafe near the harbor. “But I saw how quickly the firefighters acted. They were professionals.”
By sunrise, the extent of the damage was clearer. Charred walls, shattered windows, and soaked interiors testified to the fire’s intensity. For guests, the ordeal was both frightening and surreal.
“We came here to celebrate our anniversary,” said Susan Reed from Manchester, who had been staying on the third floor with her husband. “We were sipping wine on the balcony when we saw people running. It took a few seconds to register that it wasn’t a joke. We’re grateful to be safe, but it was a terrifying night.”
Tourism officials from Gran Canaria have also expressed concern over the incident but emphasized that it should not deter visitors. “Puerto de Mogán remains one of the safest and most beautiful destinations on the island,” said Lucía Hernández of the Canary Islands Tourism Board. “This was an isolated event, and we’re working with hotel operators to reinforce safety measures island-wide.”
Hotel Puerto de Mogán, a 4-star beachfront property known for its picturesque location at the mouth of the marina and its elegant Canarian architecture, has been a staple of upscale tourism on the island for over two decades. It is often praised for its scenic views, proximity to the beach, and tranquil atmosphere.
As cleanup begins and insurance assessors arrive, the focus is now on rebuilding and ensuring the safety of the premises moving forward. Engineers are expected to begin structural inspections by the weekend, and the hotel has announced a 24-hour hotline for concerned guests and travel agencies.
Meanwhile, local residents and businesses have already begun organizing a small relief effort for displaced tourists, offering food, water, and phone charging stations. The community spirit has been described as “inspiring” by many who witnessed it.
The full extent of the financial damage remains unclear, but experts estimate that repairs could run into the hundreds of thousands of euros. Investigators are expected to release preliminary findings on the fire’s origin within the next few days.
For now, Puerto de Mogán begins a slow return to normal, thankful that despite the flames and chaos, no lives were lost.