SAM Magazine-Bretton Woods, N.H., Jan. 3, 2006-A three-alarm fire on New Year's Eve destroyed half of the 50 guest rooms at The Lodge at Bretton Woods, the resort-owned motor lodge that sits between the Bretton Woods ski area and the famed Mt. Washington Hotel. No one was injured in the fire, according to resort spokesmen. The resort relocated the displaced guests to nearby hotels and provided clothing as needed.

The fire was discovered at approximately 5:45 p.m. in the eastern portion of the lodge. A firewall in the middle of the building helped contain the fire. Undaunted, the resort proceeded with almost all its planned New Year's festivities, including the annual fireworks display at the resort, though the area did cancel the torchlight parade.

Bretton Woods' spokeswoman Martha Wilson told SAM that the area plans to demolish the damaged half of the building and begin the rebuilding process as soon as possible-which could be before the current season ends. The area hopes to reopen the unaffected half of the lodge by Presidents' Day.

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