After an investigation by a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, troopers have officially declared the fire a case of arson.According to Pennsylania State Police Trooper David Beohm, the fire is being considered a criminal act of arson.
Beohm said the investigation showed that the fire started in multiple places within the building.
At 4:00pm on Friday, fire crews were dispatched to a working fire at 1476 Route 61, the former Days Inn along Route 61 north of Cressona in North Manheim Township.
As the first crews arrived, they found heavy flames coming from the roof and it was quickly classified as fully involved.
The fire quickly spread through the entire structure causing multiple collapses. Crews fought the fire defensively with multiple aerial units fighting the fire from above.
Around 5:45pm, the fire was marked under control.
Damage is estimated at several hundred thousand dollars. The building was unoccupied and no injuries were reported.
Anyone with information on the fire should contact the Pennsylvania State Police at (570) 754-4600 or Pennsylvania Crimestoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS.