BUTTE – The state Justice Department says a fire Friday that ripped through Whitehall, destroying businesses along the town’s main street, originated in the back of the Legion Street Grill in or near a malfunctioning freezer.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Pat Clinch investigated the blaze and preliminary findings were announced Tuesday by state Justice Department spokeswoman Judy Beck.
Beck said there were several freezers in the back of the restaurant and said it had not yet been determined whether the fire originated in an AC wall outlet or in the malfunctioning freezer.
She said the fire marshal’s formal report will be released next week.
The blaze destroyed Cottage Floral and Gifts, The Mint Bar, Legion Street Grill and D-D Taxes. Whitehall Drug suffered significant damage.