Pottsville Fire Chief Jim Misstishin said Monday that the official cause of the May 23 fire at Wire Tele-View Corp. headquarters on the city’s East Side is “undetermined” and “under investigation.”
The investigation remains open but for now, how the massive blaze started will remain “undetermined.”
This classification does not close the investigation. Misstishin said Monday that a fire with an “undetermined” cause can stay that way for up to 7 years before the inquiry is closed.
Councilman Mark Atkinson added that the classification of “undetermined” and “under investigation” allows potential future evidence to change that determination. If the City were to rule the fire as accidental, arson, or otherwise, then it would be case closed.
On May 23, at about 7 p.m., fire broke out at the small cable TV and internet service provider. An explosion or series of explosions blew the front of the building out onto the street, nearly injuring several firefighters.
A ruptured natural gas line near Wire Tele-View forced an evacuation of a 300-foot perimeter around the building.
The company’s headquarters building was completely destroyed during the incident.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...