March 27--No one was injured late Wednesday when an unoccupied motel caught fire in Melvindale, but the blaze destroyed most of the structure, Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray said.
Crews responded to 911 calls around 8:14 p.m. for heavy, visible smoke and flames at the one-story Motown Inn and Suites, 17255 Raupp Rd. The motel, previously known as the Motor City Motel, was undergoing renovations. Fifteen firefighters battled the blaze before additional crews were called in, Murray said.
Murray said it's too early to determine whether the fire was accidental or arson.
"The two units on both ends were saved, but all the middle sections are gone and a complete loss," he said. The Dearborn and Melvindale fire departments are merged.
Firefighters broke into every room to make sure no one was inside, but discovered they were all empty. It's uncertain whether anyone was in the hotel when it caught fire.
The chief said the damages will likely be a "substantial amount."
Contact Katrease Stafford: [email protected], 313-223-4759. Follow her on Twitter @KatreaseS.
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