Cause of Aberdeen store fire remains mystery

By Associated Press

Summary

Deputy Aberdeen Fire Chief Rich Malizia says the cause of a multiple-alarm fire that gutted a floor covering store may remain a mystery.

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Story Published: Nov 3, 2009 at 8:22 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2009 at 8:22 PM PST

Cause of Aberdeen store fire remains mystery
ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) - Deputy Aberdeen Fire Chief Rich Malizia says the cause of a multiple-alarm fire that gutted a floor covering store may remain a mystery.

Malizia said Tuesday that a preliminary walkthrough of the Stouffer-Moore Floor Covering store revealed some evidence, but demolition work to make the site safer for investigators caused additional collapses that covered other possible areas of interest.

Based on the partial investigation, he says there is no indication of arson.

The deputy chief says it's frustrating not to have a definite determination, but the investigators' safety has to be considered.

He says crews will try to recover files and a safe that should allow the business to operate from a different site.

Damage from the Oct. 27 fire is estimated at $2.7 million - $2.2 million for the building and $500,000 for the contents.