Fire investigators order tent to shield site from rain

Rain may arrive, but the investigation of the Oct. 12 fire on Independence Avenue that killed two firefighters will continue.

On Thursday, investigators, mindful of possible rain in the forecast, ordered a large tent to be assembled just southeast of the fire site near Independence and Prospect avenues.

Workers planned to move the tent inside the perimeter of the former building and rope it down, allowing investigators to continue their work of sifting through fire debris.

“The rain won’t stop us,” said John Ham, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesman.

Soot and debris currently being examined would turn to mud if exposed to a steady rain, Ham said.

“That wouldn’t stop us, but it would be very time-consuming,” he said. “So, to keep things on pace, we will tent the area off.”

Other tents may be installed to shelter other work areas on the site, Ham said.

Investigators hope to be able to rule some possible fire causes out by early next week, Ham said.

This story was originally published October 22, 2015 at 8:41 PM with the headline "Fire investigators order tent to shield site from rain."