SEATTLE – Festival-goers attending Hekate’s Sickle Festival, organized by the Aquarian Tabernacle Church International, were jolted awake at 3:10 a.m. by a fire alarm and hotel staff urging an evacuation of the Hilton Seattle Airport Conference Center. A smoky odor filled the air.
Guests from the festival, who were lodged in the same hotel wing, gathered in the west parking lot between the hotel and the conference center. Matriarch Belladonna Laveau and Arch Priest Dusty Dion of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church quickly circulated through the crowd, ensuring all attendees were accounted for.
Seattle Fire Department crews arrived promptly at 3:20 a.m., mobilizing around the building. The fire was reportedly located in a linen closet and was extinguished by 3:58 a.m. No injuries were reported, and by 4:20 a.m., guests, except those from the affected wing, were allowed back into their rooms.
Some young children were visibly distressed by the evacuation. In response, ATC members played music, including We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel, creating a lively distraction as they danced with the children to ease their fears.
Festival-goers in unaffected rooms welcomed displaced guests until the all-clear was given.
Fire responders locating fire source [Photo: S. Ciotti]
The following morning, Laveau expressed relief, confirming all attendees were safe and accounted for, saying, “Thank the Goddess.” She continued to check on everyone’s well-being throughout the day.
Fire responders at hotel [Photo: S. Ciotti]
The fire is under scrutiny, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a similar incident occurred at the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport. Some sources speculate that the fires may be linked to recent labor disputes. Further details are pending investigation.
Update: We received an update the fire was related to a malfunctioning ice machine.
TWH will update this story as new facts emerge.
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