Intentional Fire Destroys TN Motel
Memphis fire officials say a blaze that destroyed a Baymont Inn & Suites building early Monday was set.
Mattresses were stacked against the structure and set on fire just before 1 a.m., fire officials told LocalMemphis.com.
When Engine 51 arrived, they reported heavy fire from the structure, according to a statement from the department.
“I didn’t know what was going on. I just woke up and started grabbing stuff. This man came and knocked on our door and he was like it’s on fire. We ran out the backdoor, down the stairs, and then it just went up from there,” a guest told WREG.
During the fire, winds gusted up to 25 mph, according to ActionNews5.com, helping fan the flames through the structure. The entire roof collapsed as the blaze consumed the three-story building.
Over 110 firefighters responded with 43 emergency vehicles, and worked for almost three hours to bring the fire under control.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital, and the injuries were considered non-life threatening.
The damage was estimated at over $7 million.
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