Motel blaze began with mattress

Monday, Nov. 27, 2000 | 4:33 a.m.

The blaze started Saturday in a room at the Paradice Motel and quickly spread to several other rooms.

The fire prompted an evacuation of the 14-room motel. The motel was filled to capacity at the time and some guests had to spend the night at a local recreation complex.

"I've always made this place my home. All my customers really love my place," said motel owner Vinod Patel. "And look at this, why did this happen to me?"

A witness told police the mattress was angrily tossed against the wall heater by a guest after a fight with a friend over money.

An investigation continues.

Patel said about eight rooms were affected by the blaze and that he intends to keep the motel closed until insurance agents say it's safe to reopen.

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