Get the details at INCIDENT REPORT
The massive fire last week that destroyed the warehouse at Gallery Furniture’s main location on the North Freeway was intentionally set, an official said today.
Rob Elder, assistant special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms office in Houston, said the agency determined the fire was arson because all possible accidental causes had been ruled out, including a faulty generator that was initially suspected.
"Someone out there knows what happened that night, and we’re going to find them," Elder said in a news conference today. No one has been ruled out as a suspect, said Elder, who declined to reveal details as to how investigators think the blaze began.
Elder did say the fire started in an area normally not visited by the general public.
The four-alarm fire erupted about 9 p.m. on May 21 and raced through Gallery Furniture's warehouse at 6006 Interstate 45 North. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to the showroom and no injuries were reported.
Owner Jim McIngvale said at least $5 million in inventory was lost as well as equipment, and Elder said the total loss was between $15 million and $20 million. The store is currently operating solely out of its other location, near the Galleria.
In a prepared statement today, McIngvale asked for help from the public.
"Now that an official investigation has been opened, we have no comment on the matter, except to ask any individual with information that might assist investigators to call Crime Stoppers of Houston immediately at 713-222-TIPS," he said in the statement, which was circulated at the ATF news conference.
The ATF tips line is 1-888-ATF-FIRE.
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