CADIZ - Fire gutted an abandoned motel on US 22 early Tuesday. According to Cadiz firefighters, the fire was observed around 3:45 a.m.
"It was fully involved when we got there," said one firefighter. "You could see it from the fire department."
Fire departments from Cadiz, Hopedale, Jewett, Scio, New Athens, Harrisville and Moorefield converged on the site, located near the old airport. Using tankers and nearby hydrants, the blaze was contained and extinguished within a half hour. However, the building was a total loss.
Article Photos
T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK
THE SCORCHED remains are shown of an abandoned Cadiz motel, which caught fire Tuesday morning. Arson is suspected.
The 200-foot-long, 40-foot-wide structure had been abandoned for more than 20 years.
Cadiz Fire Chief Leonard Merryman added that the state fire marshal has been called in to inspect the scene and an arson reward has been posted.
"It's definitely suspicious. There were no utilities hooked up," he said.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 740-942-2197.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
