Fast Facts:
Memphis Police and Fire were called the Shelby Inn shortly after 3 a. m. when a fire alarm went off. They report seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the building when they got here. The motel is vacant and has been for more than three years. Crews were able to get the fire under control with in the hour.
This is yet another problem this property has caused for authorities. The property was seized back in July as a nuisance under state law. The District Attorney's office then took the owner to environmental court to required the owner to demolish the building. The building has been described as Beirut by Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin. There are no doors or windows on the building and its been known to house vagrants.
The DA's office is working to secure stimulus funds to have the building knocked down. Clearly the efforts have been to no avail at this point.
Fire investigators are working to determine just what caused this fire. The Colonnial Inn, a hotel adjacent to the Shelby Inn was evacuated for moments this morning while the fire burning. The occupants were allowed back in their rooms shortly after.
- Early morning fire burns old Shelby Inn
- Fire investigators are working to determine a cause
- Motel has been declared a nuisance by the District Attorney's office
Memphis Police and Fire were called the Shelby Inn shortly after 3 a. m. when a fire alarm went off. They report seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the building when they got here. The motel is vacant and has been for more than three years. Crews were able to get the fire under control with in the hour.
This is yet another problem this property has caused for authorities. The property was seized back in July as a nuisance under state law. The District Attorney's office then took the owner to environmental court to required the owner to demolish the building. The building has been described as Beirut by Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin. There are no doors or windows on the building and its been known to house vagrants.
The DA's office is working to secure stimulus funds to have the building knocked down. Clearly the efforts have been to no avail at this point.
Fire investigators are working to determine just what caused this fire. The Colonnial Inn, a hotel adjacent to the Shelby Inn was evacuated for moments this morning while the fire burning. The occupants were allowed back in their rooms shortly after.
