Lightning Strike Sparks Major Fire at Brady Hotel

BRADY, TX — A lightning strike sparked a major fire at the Brady Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Thursday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the hotel’s roof and third floor. 

The blaze began around 3:45 p.m. when lightning struck the north side of the building’s roof near South Bridge Street. Flames soon broke through the roof, prompting additional departments to be called in for mutual aid. 

Brady Fire/EMS and Brady Volunteer Fire Department crews were first on scene. Mutual aid responders included the Rochelle Volunteer Fire Department, the Brownwood Fire Department — which dispatched a ladder truck — and other McCulloch County volunteer fire departments, along with units from Mason and Menard. 

Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours. The fire was brought under control around 7:30 p.m., with crews remaining on scene overnight to monitor for hot spots. 

A small number of guests were inside the hotel at the time. All guests and staff evacuated safely with no injuries reported. However, one firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Early reports indicated the building could be considered a total loss. No damage was reported to surrounding businesses.