Three fire trucks were initially called to the scene at 1315 N. Broadway.

Firefighters climbed ladders to get to the motel roof as smoke billowed from holes cut in the roof and from a gaping hole on the north side of the motel, where the fire appeared to have begun.

“It’s been a busy couple weeks,” said New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho.

Firefighters spent nearly two hours at the motel before winding up hoses.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm firefighters carry fire hoses and tools on the Colonial Inn motel roof during a late afternoon fire Thursday.

Macho said a motel resident/manager suffered a minor hand injury and was treated on site by Allina Ambulance.

He contacted the Red Ross to inquire about sleeping accommodations for several displaced motel residents including motel owner Ash Goyal who lives on site.

“My on-site manager, Jen, noticed a fire in one of the rooms and called 911. Fire trucks came right away to control the fire. Occupants were evacuated and are being handled by the Red Cross,” Goyal said.

“The positive thing is nobody else was injured. The Fire Marshall’s Office will determine the fire cause,” he added.

Goyal said motel policy does not allow any flammables, no lighters or match sticks in the rooms.

“We’re hoping power will be restored Friday so we can use other motel units here. A concrete fire barrier helped save other units. We’re complying with all the fire and health codes,” he added.

Goyal said people should know about the fire to avoid it in the future.

“This can happen in any home too. I’m kind of shaken up. This is my first fire ever. I’ve owned motels for 14 years,” he added.