A fire that destroyed a townhouse complex in Elk Point last month has been ruled accidental. Officials from the town of Elk Point have confirmed that the investigation into what caused the blaze on April 27th has wrapped up. The culprit in this case seems to be an improperly disposed-of cigarette.
Officials believe the fire started in a planter being used as an ashtray on the deck of one of the units. They are saying once the deck and building in that unit had caught fire it spread very quickly due to dry conditions and wind. Once fire crews arrived and the flames were put out, eight homes were gone along with a few vehicles. The loss is estimated at around $3.5 million.
Donations for those who lost their homes are still being accepted at the Cornerstone Co-op in Elk Point. A GoFundMe page has also reached about $3300 of it’s $20,000 goal at press time.