St. Maries Fire Ruled Accidental

Fire investigators concluded Wednesday that the fire that destroyed three St. Maries businesses and an apartment Tuesday was caused accidentally by electrical equipment.

The source of the flames was traced to the master bedroom of the apartment, behind the St. Maries Boot Corral store, said St. Maries Fire Chief Bill Cowin.

Cowin said there were four possible causes: a waterbed heater control, lamp, lightweight extension cord or six-way electrical plug.

Investigators didn’t pinpoint the particular electrical device because they mainly were interested in determining whether the fire was accidental, Cowin said.

He estimated the damage to be at least $700,000.

, DataTimes