CHESAPEAKE — No one was injured in an early morning fire that left more than 20 people without a place to stay.

Ed Webb, Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Department Chief, said a fire broke out about 3 a.m. at the Travelers Motel on Township Road 1039 off County Road 1 in Chesapeake. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the fire was fully involved, Webb said. All of the residents were able to get out unharmed.

The fire also damaged a power line, preventing crews from immediately putting out the blaze.

“We had an issue with a power line down that hampered us in fighting the fire immediately,” Webb said. “The power company dismantled the power line and we were able to do a better attack on the fire.”

Fayette Township, Proctorville and Rome Township departments aided the Chesapeake team in fighting the blaze, Webb said. The Chesapeake Women’s Auxiliary also provided food for the firefighters.

There were about 25 firefighters on scene until the fire was completely contained at about 5 a.m.

“We were fortunate enough we had a hydrant near the structure, so that made a real positive (impact) on the fire fighting because we were not short on water,” Webb said.

All of the motel’s 13 units were damaged with smoke and water, Webb said, and the American Red Cross assisted in providing food and beverages to the victims and were helping them find other housing.

Webb said the Ohio fire marshal would investigate the cause of the fire, which reportedly spread from an abandoned structure behind the motel.

“Being such a large fire, we always call in the fire marshal to determine the best reason of the fire,” Webb said. “It’s just a normal process of doing that.”