Louisiana Man Arrested for 2024 Motel Fire in Abbeville

ABBEVILLE, La. (KPEL News) - The State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested a Morgan City man in connection with a fire that caused significant damage to a Motel 6 in Abbeville last October.

Lawrence Levine, 36, was taken into custody on March 14, 2025, and booked into the Vermilion Parish Jail on one count of negligent arson.

Fire Started by Improper Disposal of Charcoal

The incident occurred on October 14, 2024, around 3:30 p.m., when the Abbeville Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at the Motel 6 on Veterans Memorial Drive. After an initial investigation, the case was transferred to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for further review.

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Investigators determined that Levine had dumped hot barbecue coals into a plastic trash can, along with paper from a charcoal bag and an empty lighter fluid bottle. The materials ignited, spreading flames that resulted in considerable fire and water damage to the motel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Fire Marshal’s Safety Reminder

State Fire Marshal Bryan J. Adams urges the public to handle barbecue coals responsibly. He advises:

• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Soak hot coals in water and stir to ensure they are fully extinguished.
• Only dispose of cooled coals in a metal trash can.

Report Fire-Related Crimes

If you have information about any fire-related crime, you can report it anonymously by calling the SFM Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or submitting an online tip at lasfm.org.