METAIRIE, La. -- Authorities said four motel guests died and two others were injured Sunday afternoon in a fire investigators believe may have been deliberately set.
Four Texas tourists were found dead in a corner room of the Peacock Plaza Inn, officials said.
Another guest was in critical condition from burns and smoke inhalation, and a sixth guest was treated for minor injuries.
The victims were not immediately identified.
Eleven Jefferson Parish firefighters were taken to two nearby hospitals suffering from heat exhaustion and minor injuries.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office issued a wanted bulletin for an arson suspect about 25 years of age who argued with a maid over towels and was lurking near the laundry room where the fire broke out.
The rapidly spreading fire knocked out communications and utilities to the two-story motel, as well as its electronic fire-alarm system, leaving staff and guests to pound on doors to warn guests to flee from their rooms.
