KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Authorities are waiting for the charred remains of a troubled Kissimmee motel to cool to investigate a massive fire that displaced scores of poor tenants.
AT THE SCENE: Images Of Fire, Motel RAW VIDEO: Flames Engulf Motel, Collapse Roof
The fire began on Sunday night at the Vacation Lodge Maingate in Kissimmee, located on West Irlo Bronson Memorial U.S. Highway 192. Fire investigators said on Tuesday that they were hoping to start going through the buildings to find out how the fire began, but it could be some time before they can.
"The main issue today is safety to be sure when the fire investigator step into this room that it's secure enough for us to do our jobs without injuries. We do not want injuries," said Deputy Chief Danny McAvoy, of the Osceola County Fire Rescue.
Six tenants and two firefighters were treated for injuries after the fire.
An Orange County Sheriff's spokeswoman said one injured tenant rented the room where the fire began. Property manager John Petrone said that moments before massive flames engulfed the motel, his staff was dealing with an intoxicated man who was demanding a room.
"He checked out a week ago and returned intoxicated and thought he had a room," said Petrone.
Petrone said when the man was refused a place to stay, he broke into a room through a window and minutes later a security officer found that room on fire.
"He went up to check on him, and sure enough the fire is going. He kicked the door in, and this guy is passed out," said Petrone.
Petrone said the motel's security officer dragged the man out of the burning room, and as flames spread, he went from room to room alerting others.
"He is a hero. His name is Sam. He's in the hospital for smoke inhalation. He's a retired state trooper, and he's very dedicated to his job," said Petrone.
Officials said they are still looking into a possible arson situation, but they said more concerns have been raised about how troubled the motel is.
The motel has been under watch by deputies for many disturbances over the past year. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said that in 2010, deputies responded to the motel 530 times. In 2011, they have answered 235 calls for everything from burglaries to complaints about drugs and trespassing.
WFTV learned that the California-based company that owns the motel owes Osceola County more than $600,000 in property taxes for the last three years.
Last year, tenants had their water shut off, and last week residents said their power was cut off because the hotel's electric bill wasn't paid.
The manager said his tenants are his main priority.
"Some of them don't have any relatives; that's my main concern is what are we going to do with these people?" said Petrone.
The massive blaze put dozens of Osceola County residents on the streets. Officials said more than 200 people, including 60 children, were sent scrambling when the fire broke out. Many people had nothing but the clothes on their backs. Officials said the motel was a temporary home to a lot of already homeless families who are now looking for new places to live.
"It's just a big tragedy, not only for myself but for all these children and everybody else," said John Gremgen, a fire victim.
The fire victims were brought to a temporary shelter at Celebration High School. Officials said the American Red Cross is on hand providing food, water and temporary shelter.
Officials said smoke is still in the area on Tuesday morning.
WFTV
