PEORIA, Ill. — After spending 57 hours investigating, the Peoria Fire Prevention Division is ruling the cause of a fatal fire March 14 to be undetermined.
“[57 hours] is an extremely long time — we even called in another fire investigator that doesn’t work for the City of Peoria,” said Division Chief of Prevention Stan Taylor.
According to Fire Chief Anthony Ardis, investigators also “thoroughly sifted through the scene and met with Ameren professionals to ensure every possible cause was ruled out.”
Peoria Fire Investigators also used a FARO 3-D scanner to assist in the investigation.
“[A FARO 3-D scanner] takes pictures of the entire structure in a three-dimensional form,” said Taylor.
According to Ardis, there was not enough evidence to rule a cause on the fire.
“Despite these efforts, Peoria Fire/Rescue Department is ruling the cause of this fire to be undermined,” Ardis said in a statement.
59-year-old Kenneth Carson died in the fire in the 600 block of Spitznagle. Coroner Jamie Harwood said Carson died of smoke inhalation and burns that covered 100% of his body.
Anyone with information on this or any fire is asked to call Division Chief of Prevention Stan Taylor at (309)-494-8733.
