Ark City Fire investigators still have some more routine interviews to conduct and are awaiting some test results from the state before identifying the cause of Thursday’s fire on E. Central, fire marshal Gary Bowker said.
The fire damaged the home to the point that the city ordered it be razed and a crew already has demolished it. Bowker estimated the value of the building at $100,000 to $150,000.
It is too soon to comment on whether the fire was an accident or intentionally set, he said.
"We’re kind of in a holding pattern right now," Bowker said. "We’re just waiting on some results before we can wrap everything up. It’s still under investigation right now."
The home was purchased by Anthony Shea within the last six months and had previously been a rental unit. At least a portion of the home was divided into apartments.
Bowker said a neighbor was the first to report the fire, which is believed to have started in the attic or second-floor of the home. There were multiple calls placed to 911.
