The Elizabethton Fire Department recently completed its investigation into the fire at Traveller’s Inn, which took place in the early morning of January 2.

The fire started from a hotel lamp that was plugged into an outlet behind the resident’s bed. The outlet shorted and started an electrical fire.

Fire Marshal Andy Hardin and 911 dispatchers said the initial dispatch, which came in at around 2:45 a.m., came from the hotel staff.

“The resident came out of the room and reported the fire to the front desk, so it was them who made the initial call,” Hardin said.

He said the initial dispatch stated the fire started from someone smoking in the room, but Hardin said he found no such evidence during his investigation.

He said the resident, who remains anonymous due to “conflict” between him and the hotel staff, left the door open when he left the room, letting the fire creep up and damage the second-floor walkway.

When the fire department arrived, the windows had broken, letting fire come outside the building and singe the outside walls.

“The resident had some singed hair and his face was a bit blackened, but he refused any medical treatment,” Hardin said.

The insurance company is still conducting its own investigation into the fire and the number of damages, but Hardin said his estimate was about $27,000 of fire damage.

He said he ordered part of the hotel closed due to safety concerns, including the adjacent and above rooms, but the rest of the hotel is open for business as normal, including the whole front part of the complex.

Those with questions regarding the origin of the fire can contact Hardin at 423-213-9070. Those who have questions about the Traveller’s Inn can contact the hotel at 423-543-3344.