ST. CHARLES, Minn. — Tentatively the fire that severely damaged the White Valley Motel was caused by an electrical malfunction, said Police Chief Jose Pelaez. Being awaited is an investigation from the state fire marshal. Pelaez said it appeared the fire began inside a wall and creeped up into crawl space. One motel guest told police he lost power in his room about 8 p.m., walked outside, and saw smoke coming from another unit and from the roof. The night manager called 911. The three registered guests were unhurt. The owners, who have quarters in the motel, also escaped safely, as did a maintenance worker. About 70% of the motel was destroyed. A walk-through at dawn found five units without significant damage. The main road through St. Charles, U.S. Highway 14, was shut down three hours until the blaze was contained.
