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Reward is offered in arson
LIBERTY
An abandoned motel that was set on fire Saturday night is nothing but smoldering rubble, the Liberty Township Fire Department reported Monday.
The state fire marshal’s office ruled the fire at the building on Motor Inn Drive behind the MetroPlex on Belmont Avenue an arson Sunday. The office is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to whoever set the fire.
“The firewalls are still standing; that’s it,” said Liberty fire Lt. Bob Lucarell.
The wing of the building that was parallel to Motor Inn Drive was set on fire Saturday night, with firefighters getting the call about 6:30 p.m.
Liberty, Girard and Vienna fire departments arrived and began to battle the blaze, but Liberty Chief Gus Birch said he wouldn’t send firefighters inside because it was too dangerous.
Birch said he was calling for other fire departments and the East Side Water Shuttle to douse the fire from the outside. Meanwhile, fire had gotten into the roof and was running across it, he said.
On Sunday, the second wing finished burning, Lucarell said.
There is nothing left, he said, but an L-shaped smoldering rim. He said the department expects it will smolder for days, and will monitor the site.
The old motel, which has been abandoned and unsecured for years, was the site of an arson in August. Birch said Saturday it was at the same site as where Saturday’s fire started.
Lindsey Burnworth with the fire marshal’s office said the office will not comment on what evidence was found to suggest arson.
Anyone who has relevant information to share can call the Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau at 800-589-2728.