Tuesday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the St. Paul Fire Department, St. Paul Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division, announced that a hotel fire in St. Paul on Aug. 4 was determined to have been intentionally set.
Investigators reviewed video footage, talked to witnesses and were able to determine the fire was purposefully set. Authorities said they were concerned about potential victims and used cadaver dogs, heavy equipment and worked with local shelters to account for missing persons, but after four days didn't find any human remains. An investigation into the fire continues.
"We're pleased that the ATF National Response Team was able to assist our local and state partners to bring us to this conclusion," said Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. "We will continue to work this case to determine who might be responsible for this fire."