ESTES PARK, Colo. - Federal investigators say a fire that gutted a historic building in Estes Park was an accident, ignited by a natural gas water heater.
Agents with the U.S. Department of Justice's Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire and Explosives said Saturday that Estes Park and state authorities were part of the investigation into the Oct. 19 fire at the Park Theater Mall.
The fire destroyed about 24,000 square feet of the structure and several small businesses. The building dates back to 1914 and originally was a carriage house and livery. It later became a shopping center and housed 12 stores before the fire.
Because of the instability of the old structure, firefighters had to battle the flames from outside.
Estes Park, on the eastern end of Rocky Mountain National Park, has no fire code so the historic building had no sprinklers or fire alarms.
Estes Park officials say cleanup of the building will start this weekend to get as much done as possible before the town's Halloween celebration.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Agents with the U.S. Department of Justice's Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire and Explosives said Saturday that Estes Park and state authorities were part of the investigation into the Oct. 19 fire at the Park Theater Mall.
The fire destroyed about 24,000 square feet of the structure and several small businesses. The building dates back to 1914 and originally was a carriage house and livery. It later became a shopping center and housed 12 stores before the fire.
Because of the instability of the old structure, firefighters had to battle the flames from outside.
Estes Park, on the eastern end of Rocky Mountain National Park, has no fire code so the historic building had no sprinklers or fire alarms.
Estes Park officials say cleanup of the building will start this weekend to get as much done as possible before the town's Halloween celebration.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
