ATF, Burleson Fire Marshal Complete On-Scene Investigation Into Fire at Palm Homes Harbor Plant

by PegNews wire

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The investigators uncovered no indication of criminal activity during either the scene examination or investigation. The official cause of the fire is classified as undetermined.

BURLESON — Jeffrey Fulton, Special Agent in Charge of the National Response Team, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Stacy Singleton, Fire Marshal for the City of Burleson, announced today the completion of the on scene investigation of the Dec. 2 fire that destroyed the Palm Harbor Homes Manufacturing Plant in Burleson.

The ATF National Response Team members and the Burleson Fire Marshal's Office completed their scene work late Thursday "The investigators conducted in excess of 80 interviews and fully processed and documented the scene," Singleton said. "The information developed was reviewed and analyzed to assist in determining the cause of the fire."

Based on the fire scene examination and witness statements known to the investigators at the time of the report, the investigators believe the fire began in the maintenance room. Based on the extensive damage to the room and its contents, all possible accidental ignition sources could not be eliminated as a cause of the fire, which caused an estimated $7.5 million in damage. The investigators uncovered no indication of criminal activity during either the scene examination or investigation. The official cause of the fire is classified as undetermined.

Fulton said he was "impressed with the cooperation exhibited by all agencies involved in this case. State, local and federal investigators worked together as a team to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fire.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating major fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF and its programs is at www.atf.gov.

Source: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives