The Michigan City Fire Department earlier this week responded to a vacant motel fire that caused major delays on U.S. 20.
At approximately 4:53 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at Christy’s Motel, located along U.S. 20, after receiving a call indicating the building was fully engulfed.
Engine 4 arrived on scene within minutes and confirmed two motel rooms were fully involved. Crews achieved a knockdown of the main fire by 5:00 p.m.
Due to smoke traveling through the attic space, firefighters conducted a thorough search of all rooms to ensure the fire had not spread. Entry was forced into each unit to complete primary and secondary searches.
Responding units included Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 4, and Ladder 1, as well as La Porte County Emergency Medical Service and Michigan City Police Department units. For the safety of emergency personnel, the westbound lane of the highway was temporarily closed during operations.
Fire Marshal Bruder confirmed the building was unlawfully occupied at the time of the fire, including the room where the fire originated. Christy’s Motel was previously designated as vacant.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported.