Siena Hotel fire being investigated as “arson,” Chapel Hill police chief says

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — Chapel Hill authorities are investigating a fire that broke out at The Siena Hotel early Friday morning as arson.

The Chapel Hill Fire Department responded to a fire alarm around 4:30 a.m., evacuating about 50 people from the building. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Around 6:30 a.m., a person who had been stuck on a balcony was safely evacuated. Witness video captured flames inside the building, but the fire has since been extinguished.

During a press conference, Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew said that surveillance footage and interviews suggest the suspect is still inside the hotel. Authorities are working to locate the individual safely.

Lehew also clarified that the suspect is not connected to the person rescued from the balcony.

East Franklin Street is currently closed between Estes Drive and Elliott Road, and people are advised to avoid the area.