Waitsburg Fire Cause: Unknown

WAITSBURG—After an investigation by the Walla Walla City Fire Dept., officials have ruled that the fire that destroyed the former Hugs Gifts & Collectibles building at 109 Main St. in Waitsburg is undetermined. The building was destroyed in the Sept. 9 blaze.

Walla Walla Fire Chief Bob Yancey said it may have been an electrical issue, but the damage was so extensive that little evidence was left to make a certain determination of a cause. Yancey and WW County Fire District 2 Chief Neil Henze did say that enough information was gleaned to determine that the fire was almost certainly not intentional or suspicious.

No injuries were reported in the fire, and the building was mostly vacated when the blaze broke out.

Crews from Walla Walla County Fire Districts, 4, 5, 7 and 8 along with Columbia County Fire District 3 and the Walla Walla City Fire Dept. were called to the scene shortly before 9 p.m. The fire was under control before midnight, but was still smoldering the next morning.