Small tree catches fire at Island Hotel in Newport Beach

A small tree caught fire early Sunday inside the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, authorities said.

The Newport Beach Fire Department received a call about the fire at the Newport Center Drive hotel at 3:44 a.m.

The tree was in a planter in the elevator lobby on the 11th floor, hotel General Manager Gerard Widder said. When firefighters arrived, they evacuated guests on that floor.

The fire caused less than $5,000 in damage, according to Chip Duncan, assistant chief of fire operations.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Duncan said.

Three adults received medical attention, possibly as a result of problems with navigating the stairs while evacuating, according to Duncan.

One person was treated at the scene and two were taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

Widder said guests were allowed back in their rooms about 45 minutes after the evacuation.

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For the record: This article originally reported incorrectly that the tree was a Christmas tree.