Fire case closed

Talk about it

After investigation, the cause of a Richardton fire that destroyed two buildings is unknown and the case will be closed, an official said Tuesday.

A fire began in the front of a building housing a former Hardware Hank store at about 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 22 and the flames spread west to what once was the Elkhorn Bar.

No injuries were reported.

“I think we’re going to be closing the case … really came up with nothing — the cause is going to be an unknown cause,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Don Temple.

Amid tundra-like temperatures, firefighters from the Hebron, Taylor and Richardton fire departments fought the blaze and monitored hot spots for about 11 hours.

The historic, vacant buildings were a total loss, said Wayne Baer of the Richardton Rural Fire Department, according to a previous Press article.

Several factors can inhibit authorities from deciphering a fire’s cause, including weather, icy conditions and the amount of water put on a fire, Temple said.

But, it is determined on a case-by-case basis, he said.

“In this factor, weather conditions and also the conditions of the building and how much was destroyed also was a factor in here,” Temple said.

Temple confirmed both buildings are a total loss.

A phone number for the alleged owner of the buildings could not be located.

Records at the Stark County Recorder’s Office show no title or deed under the name Elkhorn Bar nor anything under the bar’s former address.

Richardton City Councilman Robert Ludlum said the group has not discussed what may be done with the buildings and the area.

“We can bring it up but I don’t know what we can do about it,” Ludlum said.

Several calls to Richardton Mayor Frank Kirschenheiter went unanswered Tuesday.

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