Focus On Possible Electrical Cause Of Winona Fire
WINONA, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- Investigators are looking into what caused a historic fire that consumed several buildings in downtown Winona, and haven't ruled out a possible electrical cause.
Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams said Tuesday the most significant burn and char marks are near an electrical conduit in the building where the fire apparently started -- the Islamic Center of Winona.
He says federal, state and local investigators plan to dig through the rubble at the former Islamic Center again next week. A similar effort was done last Saturday by about ten investigators. Williams says heavy equipment, such as a crane, is too costly, that's why investigators are digging by hand.
The Winona Fire Department said next Wednesday is when the local fire departments and insurance investigators will begin to look at the scene and reconstruct what happened.
The fire last Friday destroyed two buildings, including the Islamic Center, and heavily damaged a third.
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