Investigation continues on cause of Palouse fire

The investigation into the cause of the April 7 fire in Palouse which burned down the 1889 building that housed the former Palouse Tavern is still active as investigators wait for some requested documentation.

According to Brian Bennett, Special Agent/Public Information Officer for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ (ATF) Seattle Field Division, there is no estimate for how long it may take for investigators to get the requested documents, nor an indication of what they pertain to.

The fire falls under the jurisdiction of the ATF because it affects interstate commerce, simply by the fact that the new bar and restaurant in the space would have sold items made in other states.

The Brick Wall Bar and Grill was set to open the night of the fire, which started in the early morning hours after a soft opening.

A Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) from the ATF’s Spokane Field Office visited the site April 8 to assist the Palouse Fire Department and begin the investigation.