Three people were killed early today when a fast-moving fire tore through an Econo Lodge motel on East Lincoln Way in Wooster Township, authorities said. Deputies who arrived before fire crews reported heavy smoke and flames and started knocking on doors to clear rooms in the pre-dawn darkness. By sunrise, the small highway motel was ringed with cruisers, fire engines, and investigators.
According to News 5 Cleveland, deputies were called to the motel around 1:30 a.m. and helped evacuate the building until fire crews got there. The initial response came from Wooster County deputies, who said they could see smoke and flames coming from the property as they pulled in.
Property listings place the Econo Lodge at 2137 East Lincoln Way in Wooster Township, a budget stop along the highway that caters mostly to travelers and short-term guests. Mapcarta and hotel listings confirm the address and basic facility details for the site.
Investigation underway
The Wooster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after the blaze, which deputies say began in the southwest corner of the building, left three people dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The sheriff’s office is working with fire officials to determine what started the fire, according to News 5 Cleveland.
How common are hotel fires?
Hotel and motel fires are relatively rare compared with other types of structure fires, but they can be especially dangerous once they get a foothold. The U.S. Fire Administration’s topical report on hotel and motel fires from 2014 to 2016 found that such incidents led to an average of about 15 deaths and 100 injuries per year during that period, with cooking-related mishaps cited as a frequent cause. The USFA notes that working smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are often credited with keeping those numbers from climbing even higher.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is leading the local probe. Its website lists the office at 201 W. North Street in Wooster and provides a tip line and contact phone number for investigators. Wayne County Sheriff's Office information shows how to reach the department for anyone with details about the incident. Officials say they plan to release more information about the victims and the cause of the fire as the investigation moves forward.
