Drake Hotel fire started in Unit 244, cause 'undetermined'
A fire broke out at the Francis Drake Hotel apartment building in downtown Minneapolis Wednesday morning. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis fire officials said investigators could not determine what caused the fire at the Drake Hotel on Christmas Day but say they have found no evidence to point towards arson.
The Minneapolis Fire Department said Thursday that the investigation into the cause of the fire is complete, but the investigation is not closed.
The investigation determined the fire started in Unit 244 of the building, which Hennepin County had been using as a designated overflow shelter for families experiencing homelessness.
The fire displaced approximately 250 people, including 100 children.
The fire department said while they were able to track down the spot where the fire began, due to safety concerns and the potential for collapse, investigators were unable to further investigators the ignition and fuel sources. Firefighters say those details are needed to make an official determination for the cause of the fire.
At a press conference Thursday evening, county leaders announced the rest of the hotel will be demolished. Early in the process, leaders thought the western portion of the U-shaped building might be salvageable. Upon further inspection, they determined the damage at the western end of the building was as bad or worst than the eastern side, which is already been demolished.
City officials ask people to avoid the area, not trespass and stay off the site while demolition is underway.
So far, $470,000 has been donated to a fund to help the fire survivors.