An electrical issue caused a significant fire at a Super 8 motel in Durham.
On Wednesday, Durham firefighters were called around 9 a.m. to the motel on Guess Road.
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The first unit to arrive found smoke coming from the roof of the two-story motel. The fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes. About 50 firefighters responded.
The entire hotel was evacuated and there were no injuries reported. Red Cross was contacted to assist those displaced from the rooms affected by the fire. Power was out in the entire building.
Durham Fire Department Division Chief Shawn Field told WRAL News the electrical fire started in a small space above the second floor rooms.
He said that the motel is not considered a total loss, but significant repairs would be needed for the roof. He added that investigators believe that wiring may be tired to the HVAC system.
About six rooms were impacted.
Tameka Alston, who was staying a the motel with her family said they’ve called it home since October. Now, they’re forced out.
"I just grabbed my coat and I just left," Alston said. "I didn't have time to think of nothing else. We have an infant, so we had to just grab the baby and come on out."
Red Cross officials are now assisting 18 people who have been displaced by the fire.
"This is just a terrible tragedy to happen around this time of year because a number of people who live here have lived here a long time,” said Ellen Gorham, American Red Cross Greater Triangle Chapter executive director.
Volunteers are also helping those impacted by the fire to find resources and other places to stay.
Sky 5 flew over the building where at least six fire trucks were parked outside. Firefighters were on the roof spraying water into a hole in roof.
A portion of Guess Road near the motel was closed while crews battled the fire. It has since reopened as of 11:30 a.m.