Mattoon Motel Damaged by Early Morning Fire

(THE SCENE AT THE U.S. GRANT MOTEL IN MATTOON EARLY MONDAY MORNING)

A Mattoon motel suffered major fire damage early Monday morning.

Mattoon firefighters were called to the U.S. Grant Motel at 1313 Lakeland Boulevard at 4:13am. Flames were seen coming from the structure from some distance away at the height of the blaze.

The motel has been closed for some time, but was reportedly under new ownership with plans to rehabilitate the structure, which has been located in Mattoon for decades. The location has also been used for apartments.

Mattoon Fire Department reports they responded to two working structure fires. Fire crews reported heavy flames showing through the roof of the north apartment complex and smoke coming from the southwest apartment complex. The on-scene command requested a box alarm assignment due to multiple structures on fire, and additional personnel was needed.

Firefighters report all apartments were vacant at the time of the fire.

Mattoon firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire and its origin with the assistance of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's office.

Charleston firefighters, Mattoon Police Department, Ameren Gas and Electric and Dunn's Ambulance all assisted at the scene.

No injuries to report at this time.