Cause of downtown Bothell fire may never be known
Published 1:30 am Friday, November 18, 2016
Herald staff
BOTHELL — Investigators say they may never know what caused the massive fire July 22 along Main Street in Bothell. The fire was so large it likely destroyed any evidence.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has submitted its final reports to that effect, according to a city news release issued Thursday. The origin of the fire was not pinpointed within the Mercantile building, which was under construction at the time.
“After extensive investigation and data analysis, the cause of the fire has been officially found to be undetermined,” the release said. “The investigation remains open and can be altered should new evidence become available.”
The fire destroyed 16 businesses within multiple buildings and damaged others. The damage was in the millions.
Business recovery efforts continue.
