Origin of downtown Monroe fire still unknown

3/9/2005

MONROE - Investigators have yet to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a downtown Monroe building March 2.

Monroe city Fire Marshal Jim Kansier said damage to the contents and building that housed Whipperwill & Sweetwater Auction Gallery was so severe the cause might never be known. Mr. Kansier believes the fire started in or near a second-floor apartment, one of two residences in the building.

The fire started shortly after 9 p.m. and quickly burned out of control. Firefighters focused on containing the blaze.