Closed motel goes up in flames

DAYTON, Ohio -- A suspected arson fire hits the long closed Royal Motel on Keowee Street between Stanley and Leo in Dayton early this morning.

Crews were called around six this morning and found a back building in the u-shaped complex fully engulfed.

Early reports indicate multiple points-of-origin for the fire and since there is no electric to the building, arson is suspected. An arson investigator has been called in.

Because there was no concern about possible residents, firefighters worked in a defensive mode to make sure the blaze did not spread.

Flames and smoke could be seen for miles.

Keowee Street in the area was shut down to traffic.

The Royal Motel had been closed since 2009. It had been the target of numerous nuisance complaints in it's latter years of business, including problems with drugs and prostitution.