Fire Investigators Closing in on Answers (UPDATE)

Fire investigators spent the day inside McMahan's but detailed information on their findings may not be available immediately.

McMahan's in Salem burning last Thursday, August 10th 2006 Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Fire investigators in Salem have confirmed that the fire at McMahan's Furniture last Thursday started in the basement. Salem Fire's Bill Holmstrom says investigators were released to enter certain parts of the bulding Monday at 2:00 PM.

Structural engineers are responsible for determining whether anyone can enter a dangerous building like McMahan's. Holmstrom says they are able to get into most of the buliding, "The only part of the building they're not allowed on is the third floor."

Holmstrom says Salem Fire Investigators Laird Case and Jeff Mack are assigned to the McMahan's case. They were accompanied by an arson detective and two insurance investigators.

Plans to release information about the fire have been delayed by officials, who say more information will be relayed in the coming days.

The 4-alarm fire caused minor injuries to two firefighters last Thursday, but crews from Salem Fire were able to maintain the safety of surrounding businesses.