Ascutney motel on fire; at least 10 agencies respond

UPDATE:  Ascutney command has reported that 15 rooms in the center of the motel have collapsed and that they are fighting the fires on the north and south ends of the building. More fire companies have been called to cover the stations of those already on the scene.

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Emergency scanner communications are saying that the Yankee Village Motel on Route 5 in Ascutney is currently ablaze with most of the 100-foot by 200-foot complex involved.

All occupants are reported to be out of the building, but the commander on the scene has requested that Green Mountain Power shut off the grid in the area since the blaze may compromise the wires in the are. GMP shut down the grid shortly after noon.

At the same time, a brush fire near a residence on Martin Street, behind the motel. Route 5 is currently closed, with VTrans on route to put up signs. There is a great deal of emergency activity around Route 5 north of Route 131 and drivers should avoid this area.

At the time this is being written, Ascutney, Hartland, Weathersfield, Chester, Proctorsville, Cornish, Springfield, West Windsor, Windsor, Claremont, Woodstock, Hartford, Lebanon, Bellows Falls Westminster and South Woodstock fire departments were responding to the fires.