Firefighters continue investigation into cause behind Lafayette Building fire
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Indiana State Fire Marshal joining the investigation into the cause of the devastating blaze inside the historic Lafayette building in downtown South Bend, a long vacant five story building, and searching for the charred rubble for any signs of arson.
Firefighters spent all of Monday putting out the blaze and attempting to enter the building to survey the damage.
They weren't able to explore and assess as much of the structure as they wanted to -- but that changed Tuesday.
South Bend fire, Clay fire, and Mishawaka fire, all on scene Monday in a combined effort to put out the flames engulfing the historic Lafayette building.
Tuesday's task - getting inside to further the investigation.
"We reconvened this morning, and even after discussions last night and this morning, we thought it was appropriate to ask for assistance from the state fire marshal's office, so one of the other investigators that you see here today is the fire investigator from the state fire marshal's office, that is assigned to st. Joe county, so he's here assisting with us," said Derek Erquhart, South Bend fire assistant chief and fire marshal.
The South Bend Fire Department asked for assistance from the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office to help with the investigation.
The crews got assistance from drone technology on Monday, and on Tuesday, they turned to a man's best friend.
"The one K9 that you did see, is a search and rescue cadaver dog. There's just certain areas that us as humans could not get to, because of the amount of damage and collapse that was on that top floor, so that's where that dog assisted us, that dog did clear the fourth floor and the fifth floor and did not hit on anything so we do not believe that there is anybody up there," said Erquhart.
The City of South Bend tells ABC57 that the city redevelopment commission, which currently owns the building, was pursuing possible redevelopment partners and projects for the Lafayette building but has no active deal or partners.
"Our biggest concern is that top floor, for us right now, before we have anybody else come into the structure, any resources from the city or any structural engineers, really, our investigation process has to take place first because we don't have any evidence to get spoiled," said Erquhart.
The block between West Jefferson Boulevard and West Washington Street was closed Monday and Tuesday, but no word yet on if that will be the case Wednesday.