Multiple Lubbock Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a reported structure fire Monday afternoon in Central Lubbock.
The fire was reported after 5 p.m. at the former Villa Town Motel, located in the 5400 block of Avenue Q.
The Lubbock Police Department asked the public to avoid the area.
Lubbock Fire Rescue told EverythingLubbock.com that this was not the first fire at the building Monday. Around 9:57 a.m. Monday, a fire on the other side of the building in the former restaurant was reported.
Lubbock Fire Rescue said that fire was ruled as arson, but no one is in custody at this time.
Steve Holland with LFR said the Fire Marshal has not determined whether the two fires were connected.
The fire could continue to burn throughout Monday evening, Holland said.
Lubbock Fire Rescue is asking the public for any information on the cause of either fire. If you have any information, call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 806-775-2646 or call Crime Line at 806-741-1000.
The Villa Town Motel was shut down in April 2017 after numerous crimes took place on the property. The motel was undergoing construction, and the owners planned to completely renovate the facility and open it under new management.
The company’s co-owner said the renovations would cost about $1.5 million.
Related Story: Repairs, Renovations Underway at Former Villa Town Motel
