Officials don't yet know why.
See a photo essay of the fire.Syracuse firefighters continued this afternoon to fight an early morning fire that destroyed the old Marsellus Casket Co. Investigators say someone started the fire.Syracuse, NY -- Investigators say someone started the early morning fire that destroyed the old Marsellus Casket Co.
They are not sure whether the fire was set intentionally, investigators say.
“There was definitely human involvement with the ignition of the fire, but at this point we’re not sure of the deliberateness of the act,” said Syracuse fire investigator Lt. Ken Heffernan.
Investigators theorize that the fire at 101 Richmond Ave. could have been started by youths, a homeless person or someone using a torch in an attempt to steal metal pipes or copper, he said.
Electricity and natural gas has been cut off from the building, which has been vacant since 2003 when Marsellus Casket closed.
The building is basically an open area with wooden floors, joists and beams. The fire started on the Erie Boulevard side of the building, underneath the landmark white clock about 50 to 60 feet inside the building, Heffernan said.
» See a photo essay on the fire
Firefighters called to the scene at 3:06 a.m. found heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. About 50 to 60 firefighters using ladder trucks with hoses to pour fire into the building fought the fire for hours.
Investigators are canvassing the Richmond Avenue neighborhood speaking with neighbors about what they may have seen before the fire. They are also viewing surveillance videos from area businesses.
This afternoon firefighters warned Richmond Avenue neighbors speaking on the sidewalk across from the old factory that they were in the "collapse zone" should the building fall.
Investigators have gone through sections of the building that have not collapsed, Heffernan said. However, a large portion of the building, including its roof have collapsed onto the third floor, he said.
The building will be demolished.