Jash Patel has owned the motel for three decades.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Authorities were forced to evacuate an Indian American-owned motel in Maryville, Tennessee, after an electrical fire spread uncontrollably, multiple local news outlets reported.
Police and firefighters were notified of a fire at the Mountain View Motel, 1901 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, Tuesday, at around 10:32 a.m. A total of 23 firefighters, including five from the neighboring Alcoa Fire Department, responded.
While there were no civilian injuries, a firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion after combating the flames, which was the first the establishment had ever seen. Deputy Chief David Hodges informed WVLT that the firefighter should be fine.
The fire was mostly contained to the area where it originated, said Maryville Fire Lt. Rob Woods. A majority of the damage was left by the smoke and water, Woods said.
The motel ‘s owner, Jash Patel, told the Daily Times of Maryville he’s owned the building for 32 years, and it was the first fire he has faced.
The American Red Cross responded to help those who were displaced as a result of the fire. An exact number of individuals affected was not immediately known, though several people were displaced. The American Red Cross will provide them with temporary shelter, food and clothing needs.
The hotel is slated to stay shut down while the electrical issues that led to the blaze are investigated.
“The motel has not been reopened, we did have to keep it closed,” said Maryville Police and Fire Chief Tony Crisp. “There are significant electric issues that are going to have to be addressed before it’s reopened.”