Cause of fire undetermined
Read more: Local, Dowtown Fire, Surplus Outlet, Unknown Cause
HOUGHTON -- Police are still investigating an early morning fire that destroyed a business and six apartments in downtown Houghton this weekend.
Michigan State Police Investigator Dale Hardy arrived Saturday afternoon to survey damage from the fire which started in one of the apartments above the Surplus Outlet on Shelden Avenue at around 3:45 that morning.
The Houghton Fire Department was assisted by five other departments and numerous organizations as they battled the blaze for about eight hours.
The cause remains undetermined.
"What wasn't damaged by fire was damaged by water,” said Fire Chief Jim Lightfoot. “It's pretty much a total loss."
The Daily Mining Gazette offices located next door suffered some water damage.
The Michigan Arson Prevention Committee is offering $5000 reward for any information people may have leading to an arson-related arrest.
