Firefighters put out a blaze at the abandoned Morning Star Motel in Amarillo, Texas, that was believed to have been started by homeless people. The motel also is known as the Ranchotel or Ranch-O-Tel.
According to several local media outlets, including the Amarillo Globe-News, fire from one of the rooms of the motel at 2501 SW Sixth (aka Route 66) was reported about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 20 minutes.
The Amarillo Fire Department stated in a news release:
There was no one around at the time of the fire and no electricity to the building. This fire was likely caused by transients taking up residence in the old motel. The Amarillo Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating.
The Amarillo Fire Department reminds everyone to be aware of people entering abandoned structures. If you see anyone trespassing on a property please report it to the authorities.
The AFD also posted a few photos from the fire scene:
Just a few months ago, a local radio station and this website featured the Ranchotel in a story. The western-themed motel was built in 1940 and remains one of the few surviving motels that predate World War II in Amarillo. It’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1995.
The hotel once was a hostel for the homeless, then a hospice for HIV/AIDS patients, but it’s been boarded up for years. Lanlac LLC owns the tract now, according to county property records.
Without a better landlord or better security, it likely won’t be long for this world.
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I’m the editor for the local radio station that’s covered the Ranchotel recently. Charlie is a gem, isn’t he?
I wanted to comment and tell you how much I appreciate the shout out you gave Charlie and the station! He was really touched to see your posts.
I told him about the fire just a bit ago and we are concerned and saddened about the future of the property, much like you are. The coverage we give for places like the Ranchotel is so important in this day and age. When the Ranchotel is gone, what will remain? Hopefullly there will be a vivid enough picture painted by posts like yours and Charlie’s to pass on.
We appreciate everything you do with this site. Blessings!