A fire that caused significant damage to an abandoned motel on East Harding Avenue in December was described as “a pretty big fire” by Fire and Emergency Services Chief Shauwn Howell.

Appearing on the oldies 1013 morning show Friday, Howell said this about the fire at former America’s Best Inn.

Howell said the property owner is a local person and was asked if this fire appeared to be an accident or if was it intentional.

He said firefighters were on the scene for several hours to ensure that the fire was out.