Investigators are concentrating on the ducting and equipment of a restaurant kitchen as the possible cause of a fire that destroyed it and two other businesses in a US city.
The Pine Yard Restaurant in Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois and the other businesses were gutted by a blaze in the early hours of December 29.
Fire investigators and insurance representatives took a close look at the site for clues, with Evanston Fire Chief Greg Klaiber revealing that overhead equipment and duct work was the “primary focus” of their efforts.
It is reported that panel controls and a fan hood were among the items removed from the scene and taken elsewhere to be examined under controlled conditions. It is thought the investigators will look at whether the fan was defective or not working properly and whether a build up of grease caused the blaze. Insurers are keen to determine the cause of the fire as they are expecting a huge damage figure.
The structure is to be demolished and Davis Street will need major work on its utility lines. A big new infrastructure project is set to begin on the street in the summer.
Copyright Press Association 2014