The State Fire Marshal’s Office has yet to issue an official ruling on the cause of a Sept. 29 fire that destroyed a Charleston commercial building owned by Tallahatchie County’s sheriff.
Contacted Tuesday afternoon by The Sun-Sentinel, Donna Cromeans, public relations director for the state office, replied by email, “I am told ... that this fire is still under investigation and per State Fire Marshal’s Office policy we cannot comment further at this time.”
Sheriff William Brewer’s 6,900-square-foot structure at 521 West Main St. operated as a produce stand and general merchandise outlet.
The building was unoccupied at the time of the midday fire. The sheriff said he was out of state on business when notified about the blaze.
The day after the fire, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were on the scene to sift the rubble.
On Oct. 4, Joseph Frank, supervisory special agent with the ATF’s Oxford office, said that his agency and the state office were sponsoring a reward of up to $7,500 for information about the fire.
While carefully refraining from using the term “arson,” Frank nonetheless said the reward was being offered “for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this fire.”
Frank urged anyone with information to call ATF in Oxford at 1-662-513-2140.
The Sun-Sentinel was unable Tuesday to reach Frank for comment.
IN THE PHOTO: Firefighters battle a Sept. 29 commercial building blaze at 521 West Main St. in Charleston. The cause has not been determined. (File photo by Clay McFerrin)
