Smokey Point fire cause still undetermined
Published on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Local News
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) completed its investigation of the November 2 fire that ravaged several businesses in Smokey Point Plaza, and its report indicated the cause of the fire is "undetermined."
A burglar alarm brought Arlington police to the shopping center at about 3:20 a.m. and the responding officers quickly alerted the fire department about flames coming from the end unit, occupied by Smokey Point Pawn.
The fire spread along the roof of the connected businesses, and fire and smoke contributed to damage in neighboring units. Property damage has been estimated at $1 million.
"The cause of this fire will officially be classified as 'undetermined' pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation and the development of additional information and/or evidence," said Kelvin Crenshaw, special agent in charge of the Seattle ATF office.
According to Arlington city spokesperson Kristin Banfield, the ruling means investigators haven't been able to completely classify the incident as either accidental or intentional.
The fire destroyed the pawn shop and a restaurant and caused major damage to a loan office and music store.
Big Foot Music is one of the local businesses affected by the fire. The music and equipment store suffered heavy smoke and water damage, and owner Derek Dobesh said the unit also now sports a skylight, referring to a section of roof that burned through.
"We're planning to move into a temporary location a few doors down," said Dobesh as he oversaw salvage efforts at the store. "We hope to be open again in a few weeks, but there's really no way to know how long all this will take."
The vacant unit that may be Big Foot's new home was recently damaged by a water leak, not associated with the fire, and repair work is still ongoing from that incident.
Dobesh indicated the entire wing of the shopping plaza that was damaged will be bulldozed and rebuilt.
The Arlington Police Department will continue to assist the ATF in determining a cause, and citizens are urged to call the local police at (360) 403-3400 with any pertinent information.
A burglar alarm brought Arlington police to the shopping center at about 3:20 a.m. and the responding officers quickly alerted the fire department about flames coming from the end unit, occupied by Smokey Point Pawn.
The fire spread along the roof of the connected businesses, and fire and smoke contributed to damage in neighboring units. Property damage has been estimated at $1 million.
"The cause of this fire will officially be classified as 'undetermined' pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation and the development of additional information and/or evidence," said Kelvin Crenshaw, special agent in charge of the Seattle ATF office.
According to Arlington city spokesperson Kristin Banfield, the ruling means investigators haven't been able to completely classify the incident as either accidental or intentional.
The fire destroyed the pawn shop and a restaurant and caused major damage to a loan office and music store.
Big Foot Music is one of the local businesses affected by the fire. The music and equipment store suffered heavy smoke and water damage, and owner Derek Dobesh said the unit also now sports a skylight, referring to a section of roof that burned through.
"We're planning to move into a temporary location a few doors down," said Dobesh as he oversaw salvage efforts at the store. "We hope to be open again in a few weeks, but there's really no way to know how long all this will take."
The vacant unit that may be Big Foot's new home was recently damaged by a water leak, not associated with the fire, and repair work is still ongoing from that incident.
Dobesh indicated the entire wing of the shopping plaza that was damaged will be bulldozed and rebuilt.
The Arlington Police Department will continue to assist the ATF in determining a cause, and citizens are urged to call the local police at (360) 403-3400 with any pertinent information.
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