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Update: Suspicious fire rekindled in Accomack County

Posted at 10:01 PM, Mar 12, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-14 06:25:52-04

Update: There was a small rekindle of the fire from Tuesday night. Two trucks were called out to the 2300 block of Tasley Road. 

Accomack Co., Va. - Virginia State police responded to yet another structure fire on the Eastern Shore Tuesday night.

According to the 911 Communication Center in Accomack County, the call of the fire came in just after 9 p.m. at a motel in the 23300 block of Tasley Road in Tasley.

Multiple crews responded to the scene to fight the fire.

The building that was set on fire was once used as a restaurant/meeting space for the two-story motel. The motel's facilities have been closed for a while and the fire was at a separate building away from the motel rooms.

State police say they are still early in their investigation, but the fire is being investigated as an arson. There have been nearly 70 arsons investigated over the past few months in Accomack County.

There was an unrelated arrest made at the scene of the fire Tuesday night, according to a state police spokesperson. One of the bystanders that were there onlooking was wanted from another jurisdiction. No arrest has yet been made in regards to the arson investigations.

Residents can report suspicious activity to the Accomack County Tip Line via text, phone or email at 757-655-1437. Since established Feb. 14, 2013, the tip line has received close to 100 calls, texts and emails.

A $25,000 reward is still available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the arson fires. The reward has been made available through funds committed by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

In Virginia, state law declares the burning of a structure – an unoccupied dwelling – as a Class 4 Felony. A Class 4 Felony carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.