ATF Joins Investigation Into North Dakota Motel Fire

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is joining the investigation into a weekend fire that destroyed a popular motel in the North Dakota town of Steele.

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation requested that the ATF’s National Response Team and special agents join the investigation into the fire of the Lone Steer Motel. The motel, located about 40 miles east of Bismarck in Steele, burned to the ground Sunday morning.

Special Agent Bernard J. Zapor says ATF is investigating the fire jointly with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the North Dakota Fire Marshal’s Office.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. All of the two dozen people in the building got out safely.