AS INVESTIGATORS return to the Randolph Hotel today the full extent of the damage to the iconic building will become clear.

But what is certain is the effect Friday’s fire has had not only on the immediate area but the whole community.

Guests have had nothing but praise for the quick-thinking actions of the fire crews and staff.

As we heard on Friday, all 80 people in the hotel were quickly evacuated and nobody was injured. Onlookers feared the damage could be a lot more extensive as they witnessed the ferocity of the fire.

Couple Steve Smith and Lauren Halliday, staying at the hotel the night before their wedding, feared the worst when the flames took hold of the 19th century building.

But thanks to the swift actions of hotel employees and firefighters all of their items, including the bride’s wedding dress, were saved and they enjoyed the perfect day on Saturday.

Confronted with a major fire in the roof of the hotel, crews acted fast and stopped the fire from spreading.

And Michael Grange, the Randolph’s manager yesterday was in no doubt about what could have been. All he could do was stand on the street below and watch his beloved hotel engulfed in flames.

Fearing the whole building would burn to the ground, Mr Grange was also full of praise for the emergency services and his own staff for their part in saving most of the building.

It’s no surprise that Mr Grange believes the cost could run into millions.

Impressively he’s hoping they can open to guests again on Saturday but that may depend on assessments today.

The public have rightly been expressing their sadness at Friday’s events and the damage seen over the weekend with many former guests recalling fond memories of staying at the hotel.

While it may be some time before the Randolph is back to its normal glory, we’re sure staff won’t be short of help and support along the way.