Assiniboia RCMP have determined that foul play was not responsible for the fire that destroyed the historic Franklin Hotel.
The investigating team had to wait four days for the rubble to cool before entering, but the RCMP began their investigation as soon as they arrived at the fire, on the morning of December 16. Sergeant Gary Hodges, of Assiniboia RCMP, explained that members are trained to conduct fire investigations to determine if the fire is of incendiary origin. Sergeant Hodges stated that foul play was quickly eliminated as a possible cause. The RCMP have since removed themselves from the ongoing investigation.
Rod Sexsmith, Fire Chief of Assiniboia Volunteer Fire Department, along with Randy Ryba a Fire Prevention Officer with the Saskatchewan Fire Commissioner Office and a Winnipeg insurance investigator entered the site on Friday, December 19. The investigating team collected materials from the site which are now being tested at a forensics lab in Scarborough, Ontario.
Fire Chief Rod Sexsmith said "all indicators are pointing to an electrical problem, although there is nothing official". Fire Prevention Officer Ryba said he is waiting to hear from the electrical engineer that is investigating the materials before making an official announcement.
Assiniboia Fire Investigation Continues
Assiniboia Fire Investigation Continues
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Published on
January 13, 2009
- Published on February 1, 2010
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Terri Smith
Assiniboia RCMP have determined that foul play was not responsible for the fire that destroyed the historic Franklin Hotel.
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