Coeur d’Alene Fire Department wrapping up investigation of downtown fire, cause still unknown

COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho — The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department is wrapping up its investigation into the cause of a downtown fire that destroyed several businesses in January.
The fire started at a building on N. Fourth Street and E. Lakeside Avenue, just two blocks from McEuen Park. By the time crews were able to douse the flames, six local businesses had been badly damaged.
READ: Local businesses grapple with aftermath of a devastating fire
In a release, the fire department said it finished its examination of the scene and is just waiting for several electrical components to be tested to see if a potential shortage caused the fire.
For now, the cause of the fire is still being considered unintentional. Firefighters say it started in the attic of the building, but they still don’t know what caused it.
The fire department said now the building will be turned over to the owner to begin site cleanup.
According to the Fire Department, the owner is hoping the site can be rebuilt without demolition.
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