The Midland Fire Department is investigating two structure fires that occurred within 24 hours of each other this week.
The first fire was called in to first responders at approximately 11:49 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16 at a residence located in the 2100 block of College Street. Fire crews arrived to find an active fire on a porch attached to the residence. The home sustained extensive fire, heat and smoke damage to the porch and entryway to the home. The residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and the owner told authorities that the porch had been stacked with cardboard boxes, clothes and other household items that were to be moved out of the home.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
MFD personnel responded to another fire at 12:48 p.m. today, Feb. 16 at the Scottish Delight Motel located in the 3300 block of West Front Street. Arriving crews found an active fire in the alley, which also contained mattresses, wooden chairs and other debris. Witnesses stated that small fires were often started in the area by homeless individuals looking for warmth.
Investigators found that the flames started from the mattresses and debris in the area and spread to the wall of the hotel. An air-conditioning unit affixed to the wall also sustained fire damage and contributed to the spread of the flames. The interior room sustained minimal damage with most of the damage confined to the exterior wall.
###Media Contact: Fire Marshal David Hickman