A striking building located in downtown Los Angeles, famously featured on the cover of The Doors’ legendary album, experienced a significant fire on Thursday, December 26. The incident required the heroic efforts of over 100 firefighters to bring the blaze under control. This iconic structure, known for its historical significance in rock music, has now become the center of a dramatic emergency response.
The building gained fame from the cover of The Doors’ Morrison Hotel, which was released in 1970. The cover art showcases the band?s members posing in front of a glass window, where the name “Morrison Hotel” is prominently displayed along with a sign indicating a room rate of just $2.50. This image not only defines a moment in rock history but also highlights the cultural legacy of the band.
the doors, morrison hotel
Details of the Major Fire Incident in Downtown Los Angeles
According to reports from local news station KTLA, the fire ignited shortly before 11 AM on Thursday at the address 1246 S. Hope Street, situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The firefighting response was extensive, taking approximately an hour and a half for the dedicated team of more than 100 firefighters to successfully contain the significant blaze, which was classified by officials as a “major emergency.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) indicated that 17 fire companies collaborated to extinguish the flames. The building had been vacant for over 15 years, previously serving as a training ground for firefighters, which provided crews with valuable knowledge for navigating the hazards of the structure fire. While many individuals had already evacuated, firefighters heroically rescued three people who remained inside the building.
In 2023, the building was acquired by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, with plans to transform it into a complex offering affordable housing for the community. However, the fire caused extensive damage, resulting in the roof’s collapse and raising serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building.
The aftermath of the blaze has left the future of this historic site uncertain, impacting its anticipated redevelopment plans. Two video reports covering the fire incident can be found below.
Watch KTLA 5’s Coverage of the Morrison Hotel Building Fire
LAFD’s Official Report on the Morrison Hotel Fire Incident
Behind the Scenes of The Doors’ Iconic Morrison Hotel Album Cover Shoot
The renowned album cover featuring The Doors was skillfully captured by photographer Henry Diltz at the Morrison Hotel located on South Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles. Interestingly, the band did not have formal permission to conduct the photo shoot at the transient hotel. They cleverly waited until the desk clerk was momentarily distracted, allowing them to position themselves behind the window and capture that iconic moment that would become a hallmark of rock history.
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The Morrison Hotel album represents The Doors’ fifth studio release, achieving a peak position of No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning platinum certification. This celebrated album features standout tracks such as “Roadhouse Blues” and “Peace Frog,” solidifying its place in the pantheon of classic rock music.
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Gallery Credit: Philip Trapp
