Motel fire rekindled Wednesday night

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Flames of a dilapidated motel set on fire Tuesday rekindled Wednesday evening.

Crews from several area towns responded to the Whispering Pines Motel on Tasley Road just before 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire rekindled late Wednesday evening and the extent of the damage is unknown.

Photos: Accomack County motel set on fire

In 1932, Charlie Russell's family built the motel and owned in until 1972 before selling it. Its new owners eventually let the building go bankrupt.

"It had been neglected for so long... it was in very bad shape," Russell told 10 On Your Side.

At Tammy and Johnny's Restaurant in Accomack County, the arsons are the talk of the town.

“I don't see the sense in it. He's just flat out a coward letting it go on this long,” Jeff Rodgers said.

The investigation into Virginia's worst recent case of arson remains a secretive operation.

Neither the Accomack County Sheriff's Office nor Virginia State Police offered comment to WAVY.com Wednesday.

A volunteer firefighter would not comment on camera, but said after responding to 43 of the 66 fires of abandoned structures, he thinks about who might be behind this each night.

There are between 700 and 800 abandoned structures on the Eastern Shore.

“Someone has a grudge against the county. Someone thinks he's been treated unfair, and he is seeking revenge," Russell said.

State Police and other law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information to call (757) 655-1437.

Agencies are offering $25,000 for a tip that leads to an arrest.