A motel in the Banks Crossing area was damaged Saturday morning by a fire that authorities say is believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette.
In a release, Banks County Fire and Emergency Services said the Scottish Inn Motel on U.S. 441 had fire showing through the roof when officials arrived at around 9:15. Authorities said the fire was quickly contained to the front side of the building and then extinguished.
One person suffered minor injuries and was treated on the scene and 16 families were displaced by the blaze. Officials said the entire building has been condemned until repairs are made. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.
Investigators were on scene until 1:30 p.m. and said they determined that a discarded cigarette near the building was the cause of the fire.
The Commerce Fire Department assisted Banks County crews with the scene.
