“…firefighters suspected that the room could have been used to manufacture drugs. Investigators noted that the occupant was seen “running away with soot and possibly with burns…â€
 “Heavy fire was coming from the 4th floor southeast corner†when crews began to arrive at the hotel…
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is investigating to determine what caused a 1:00 a.m. hotel fire that resulted in the evacuation of dozens of guests and racked up an estimated $35,000 in property damage and contents loss during the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
First responders launched an immediate search for victims, evacuated guests on adjoining floors, established a water supply and began to attack the flames.
Once extinguished, crews searched for additional fire above, behind and beside the fire room, Aviles said. “Once the fire was extinguished crews left the scene intact for incoming investigators.†According to the fire report, the major damage was confined to the 4th floor hotel room and did not spread.
Sheriff’s representative Chuck Mulligan told reporters this afternoon that the police may have located the occupant of the room, however, details have not yet been confirmed.
