Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

New Orleans — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols announced today the findings of the ATF National Response Team’s (NRT) fire investigation of the April 23 Bayou St. John Warehouse fire located at 3534-3540 Toulouse Street in New Orleans. The cause of the fire was ruled "undetermined".

This fire was collaboratively investigated by ATF’s NRT, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, the New Orleans Fire Department, the New Orleans Police Department, and Special Agents from the ATF New Orleans Field Division.

Investigators conducted a systematic fire scene examination by inspecting physical evidence, interpreting fire patterns, considering fire dynamics, analyzing video surveillance, and interviewing witnesses. The investigation determined that the fire originated along the eastern part of the warehouse structure in the offices of Canal Furniture Liquidators, but that the cause of the fire was unable to be determined.

ATF’s NRT, composed of ATF personnel from across the country, includes canine teams, certified fire investigators, forensic chemists, electrical and fire protection engineers, and additional specialists. ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson.

More information on ATF and the NRT can be found at www.atf.gov.

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