TASLEY, Va.- Virginia State Police believe arson is to blame for a Tuesday night fire that destroyed an abandoned motel in Accomack County.
Police said firefighters were called to the historic Whispering Pines Motel on Route 13 and Tasley Road at around 9:40 p.m.
Tasley Fire Chief Jeff Beall said this was a two-story building, several thousand square feet and cut up into sections. We could not risk sending people inside because the roof is compromised in several areas and we had floor rot. It would have been an inherent danger to put people inside the building."
Authorities said at least five fire companies were called to the scene.
The motel is an abandoned building.
Beall said, "We all have jobs. We all have families. We all have lives. This has cut into everything. Our fuel cost is tripled. We are going through a lot of equipment. The biggest toll it is taking is on the personnel. We're all volunteers and it's really taking its toll."
Prior to Tuesday night's fire there have been 65 confirmed arson fires in Accomack County since mid-November.
Virginia State Police continue to offer a reward up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.
(Photo: WBOC)
(Photo: WBOC)
(Photo:W BOC)
