OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A fire that destroyed a vacant hotel appears suspicious, said the fire chief.

Firefighters responded to a blaze at the Americana Motel, at 1 Heath St., at about 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Old Orchard Beach Fire Department was assisted by fire departments from Biddeford, Saco, Scarborough, Goodwin’s Mills and Buxton, according to Fire Chief Ricky Plummer. The majority of crews left the scene around 6 a.m. Wednesday, he said, with some remaining on scene even longer than that get out hot spots.

Plummer said firefighters did not sustain any serious injuries ”“ one slipped on the ice and twisted his ankle.

Plummer said the fire appeared suspicious. Other news media have reported the Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire to be arson, but the Journal Tribune could not reach the fire marshal by press time.

Local developer and businessman George Kerr had recently purchased the building and intended to use the property for a parking lot.

Kerr said the building had been emptied out, asbestos removed, and he had donated items such as blankets to Catholic Charities. The electricity had been turned off about a month ago, he said.

“There was nothing in the building,” said Kerr.

Firefighters had intended to conduct a controlled burn on the building once DEP approval was secured, said Plummer.

Kerr said he had no insurance on the building, except liability insurance to cover firefighters.

“This is more of a mess for me,” said Kerr, as it will be more costly for him to clean up after the fire than it would have after a controlled burn.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext.325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.