A firefighter uses a chainsaw to cut a ventilation hole in the side of the second storey of the Royal Hotel in Medicine Hat on Sept. 16. A final report states the fire that destroyed the building was caused by an electrical fault.--News Photo Collin Gallant
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The fire that destroyed the Royal Hotel in downtown Medicine Hat this fall has been deemed to be accidental, according to Medicine Hat Fire Service investigators.
Crews spent all day on Sept. 16 battling smoke and flames that eventually brought down most of the 1910-era brick and wooden structure on S. Railway Street.
Authorities had previously said the fire was not suspicious, but were awaiting analysis to see if security footage from the building could be salvaged and viewed despite heavy smoke and water damage to the electronic unit.
On Tuesday they announced they are satisfied with their conclusion that a build-up of heat in an electrical junction box ignited combustible material nearby.
“The lack of fire stops in the walls, owing to the age of the construction, really contributed to the fast spread of the fire,” said Grayson Smith, the lead investigator on the file.
Smith said the insurance company and its investigator is also satisfied with the conclusion.
No one was living at the building that was operating as only a bar, live music venue and restaurant. No one was injured.
Police are still investigating a second fire at the site in October when rubble ignited overnight.
A memorial jam for local musicians, patrons and well-wishers is set to take place on Sat., Nov. 12 at the Whisky Creek Pub and Poolhall in Medicine Hat, including live music and a silent auction fundraiser.
