Vermont State Police Press Release On Steeple Fire

STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:Fire Investigation

CASE #:08A206785

TROOPER:Det. Sgt. Thomas Williams (VSP), Inv. Stan Baranowski (DFS) STATION: Rockingham
CONTACT#: 875-2112

DATE/TIME:12/24/08 2012 Hrs.

LOCATION: Steeple Market, 1098 Main St., Fairfax, Vt.

VICTIM: Pierre Menard AGE:43
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Essex, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On 12/24/08 at approximately 2012 hrs. the Fairfax Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at the above stated address. Upon arrival they found heavy smoke and heat on the basement and first floor level of the store. Within minutes fire had spread throughout the structure.

On 12/25/08 the Fairfax Fire Department requested the Vermont State Police and the Division of Fire Safety to conduct an origin and cause investigation into the cause of this fire. This investigation was conducted on 12/26/08.

Investigation found that the area of origin of this fire was within the basement of the store in the ceiling level. Due to the age and construction of the building the fire was able to spread quickly throughout. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined and is still under investigation. The fire is not considered suspicious at this time and is ruled undetermined with the most likely cause being an electrical incident occurring at the ceiling area in the center right side of the structure in the basement.

No injuries were reported and the building is considered a total loss. Damage is estimated to be in excess of $1,000,000.00.