Hotel Fire Victims Get Shelter Reprieve

Late Wednesday afternoon, city of Santa Maria officials announced an extension of time for victims of the Town Center Inn fire, allowing them to remain in the Minami Community Center until November 1.

A news release sent by the City indicated some of the residents ousted by an arson-caused fire could be able to return to repaired rooms in the north wing of the hotel by November 1. The news release said Santa Maria’s Fire Department and Building Division are working to quickly repair damage from the fire.

The shelter at the City-owned Minami Community Center is operated by the Red Cross. More than 40 people staying in the Center were forced from the hotel when fire broke out earlier in the month.

The fire caused an estimated $1.4 million in damages.