Investigation Continues into Rodeway Inn Fire; No Suspicion of Foul Play

Despite the loss of hot water and electricity as a result of the fire, the tenants were allowed to remain in their rooms.

An investigation is underway into the fire that caused significant damage to the central office of the Rodeway Inn on Monday morning, according to Rockingham Fire Chief Shaun McGinnis. While the fire originated in a staff area, authorities are currently working to determine its exact cause, which has proven to be challenging.

The motel, utilized by Vermont's hotel voucher program, housed approximately 40 to 50 individuals at the time. Despite the loss of hot water and electricity as a result of the fire, the tenants were allowed to remain in their rooms, which suffered no damage. The Rodeway Inn features a total of 24 rooms across its north and south sections.

Miranda Gray, the deputy commissioner for the Economic Services Division of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, provided information regarding the incident. She indicated that no families or individuals requested alternative accommodations following the fire, and a contingency plan was ready should the need arise.

Health officials from the Vermont Department addressed claims of bedbug infestations reported by some tenants after the fire. They clarified that an inspection conducted earlier in May, prior to the fire, revealed no signs of bedbugs within the motel.

According to Gray, the collaborative efforts among fire safety officials, the motel’s management, the Department of Health, and other local organizations were essential in offering support during this incident.