Hampton Inn burns

The Hampton Inn under construction at the north edge of Milford caught fire at about 5:30 this morning, fire police said, and burned into the afternoon, causing serious damage to the structure.

Milford firefighters had to start drawing water from Tub Mill Pond when, after two hours on the scene, their water tanks started to run dry. They were joined by more than half a dozen other fire companies, including Cheswold, Ellendale, Milton, Slaughter Beach, Houston, Frederica, Harrington and Ellendale.

According to Carlisle Fire Department Chief Charlie Vanaman, the hotel is "a complete loss." It was scheduled to open in May. Representatives of the Hampton Inn corporation have been unavailable for comment.