Firefighters had to help six people from third-story rooms after fire broke out at the Days Inn on Scott Futrell Drive off Billy Graham Parkway, Capt. Rob Brisley said.
The fire, which investigators determined was intentionally set, started in or near a storage room and caused about $50,000 in damage, he added.
At least 39 people were in the motel when the fire started. They were taken to other area motels Friday afternoon because the Days Inn will have to be repaired before it can reopen.
Fire Marshal Bart Massey said the Days Inn passed an inspection in February. He said his staff is reviewing whether proper procedures were followed after employees became aware of the blaze just before 7 a.m.
Brisley said there are questions about whether all motel guests were notified and whether the alarm system was activated.
Nobody was injured in the fire, which authorities say is at least the fifth intentionally set this week. Fire investigators do not believe they are related.
