Happy Days actor Henry ‘the Fonz’ Winkler was among the guests forced to evacuate Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel after a fire broke out this morning.

The fire began shortly before 11am and was put out by noon. 

Dublin Fire Brigade were quick to evacuate staff and guests – including Emmy Award winner Henry Winkler. 

He told reporters he arrived at the hotel last night ahead of his performance in the National Concert Hall tonight. 

“This morning, we get up and we’re evacuated,” he said. 

“When I heard the fire alarm, I thought it was the clock radio – I thought somebody had set the alarm before we got there, like another guest. 

“Finally, I went into another room, and it was still buzzing so I called downstairs, and a woman said in a very calm voice, ‘Yes, we're all evacuating, you must evacuate right now' and I left."

Fire at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin City, 12/06/2024. Image: Eabha Casey

Winkler was seen thanking members of the Dublin Fire Brigade after evacuating and said firefighters are “some of [his] favourite] human beings”. 

“How wonderful are firemen? Firemen and firewomen,” he said. 

“They run in when other people are running out – I think they deserve their hands shook.” 

Winkler described the evacuation as “an amazing adventure right here in Dublin”.  

“I cannot wait to see the rest of Dublin,” he said. 

The actor will perform The Fonz & Beyond in the NCH tonight, telling stories from his 50-year career in Hollywood. 

He is also promoting the release of his new memoir Being Henry. 

Fire at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin City, 12/06/2024. Image: Eabha Casey

Dublin Fire Brigade said the fire started on the roof space of the Shelbourne Hotel. 

Six fire engines attended the scene, with a crane being used to evacuate people on higher floors. 

The fire is now under control and staff have been allowed to return inside.  

Dublin Fire Brigade District Officer Colm Kershaw said the fire was confined to one room and there was “minimum damage” on the floor. 

Reporting from Eabha Casey.

Main image: Henry Winkler with Dublin Fire Brigade. Image: Henry Winkler on X