St. Malo Fire Ruled Accidental
ALLENSPARK, Colo. (CBS4) - The fire at St. Malo that caused $1 million in damages has been ruled accidental.
Based on statements from firefighters and witnesses and the fire scene investigation, officials believe the fire originated in the roof in and around the chimney of the large fire place located in the lounge.
The investigators were unable to determine the direct cause of the fire because of a number of factors, including construction design and electrical power fluctuations. However the fire was classified as accidental.
The fire at the Catholic conference center in northwestern Boulder County started Nov. 14. Lack of water because of the remote location delayed the attack, and the strong winds made things difficult at times for firefighters.
After the fire broke out the employees all got out safely from the building.
The center's main building was heavily damaged, but the historic chapel on the grounds was untouched. Pope John Paul II visited the church as part of his trip to Colorado for World Youth Day in 1993.
