Old Peck’s Motel fire ruled accidental by investigators

Franklin Fire Department personal have conducted an extensive investigation as to the cause of the fire at former Peck’s Motel apartments last week.
The investigation concluded that a pot of grease containing French fries was left on an electric cook top unattended, Chief Chuck Bourgeois reported. The grease ignited spreading through the first floor apartment unnoticed and extended to the second floor and attic area before it was discovered.
The occupant admitted to leaving the pot unattended, Bourgeois reported, and there is no evidence to suggest that there was any equipment malfunction, there was no criminal or malicious intent and the cause of the fire is officially listed as accidental.
The fire was reported May 11 at 6 p.m. with 14 pumpers and ladder trucks and 75 firefighters from seven fire departments combatting the blaze. The historic hotel had been converted to apartments and was owned by Eldon Shinn. The fire displaced 17 individuals from six families and caused an estimated $450,000 loss.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that cooking fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries. Annually, cooking fires cause $853 million in direct property damage, accounting for two of every five reported home fires and reported home fire injuries, 16 percent of home fire deaths, and 12 percent of the direct property damage resulting from all home fires.
The Franklin Fire Department advises residents to use caution while cooking, especially when frying food. Never leave a pot unattended and always have an operational smoke detector.