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(Photo: Chris Dunn, York Daily Record) |
The investigation remains open, but for now, the fire is being classified as undetermined.
Investigators have no indication that a fire that killed York City firefighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony was an intentional act, said Donald Robinson, special agent in charge of the Philadelphia Field Division of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
"Although the possibility of someone initiating a fire using available combustibles inside the building could not be conclusively ruled out, we don't have any evidence at this point that indicates this was an intentional act," Robinson said during a news conference Friday afternoon.
Investigators determined the fire started on the first floor of the old Weaver Organ and Piano building at 127 N. Broad St., he said. They have identified several possible accidental fire causes. Items, such as electrical components, are subject to further testing and evaluation.
For now, the fire will be classified as undetermined, but the investigation will remain open, Robinson said. The cause could change with new information or leads that come in.
The four-story structure that was being converted into apartments caught fire during a snowstorm on March 21. Firefighters Anthony, 29, of York, and Flanscha, 50, of Red Lion, died the following day when part of the burned-out building collapsed.
Assistant Chief Greg Altland, 52, and firefighter Erik Swanson, 50, also were injured during the collapse.
A team of federal investigators came in to help determine where and how the fire started. The ATF has expertise in fire investigations, and the City of York asked the agency to come in, Robinson said.
Investigators knew they faced a big challenge because the building had partially collapsed, Robinson said.
Normally, they would work their way from the least-damaged areas to the most-damaged areas and go floor by floor, looking for burn patterns, he said.
Investigators pulled out pieces of electrical equipment, trying to rule out every possible source of ignition, he said.
Investigators also talked to people who worked in the building, and no one, as far as the ATF knows, was in the building at the time of the fire, Robinson said.
More than 130 investigative leads have been run down during the investigation, Robinson said.
Robinson acknowledged during the news conference that the cause of the fire might never be known.
A final report will be provided to the City of York Department of Fire/Rescue Services, York City Police, and Pennsylvania State Police, he said.
The fire scene has been turned back over to the property owner, Robinson said.
Construction equipment worked on Friday to tear down what remains standing of the building.
Authorities are still looking for any information about the fire. Anyone with tips can call 1-888-ATF-FIRE or York City Police.