MINNEAPOLIS — Investigators have been unable to determine the cause of a fire that tore through the Minneapolis Drake Hotel on Christmas, displacing hundreds of people.
The Minneapolis Fire Department announced Thursday that the investigation has revealed the unit where the fire started, but not the exact cause.
"This classification of 'undetermined' was due to the inability of the fire investigators to access the identified area of origin, and positively identify, by means of elimination, the exact point of origin," said Larry Oker with the Minneapolis Fire Department. "The inability to access the determined area of origin was due to the extensive damage done to the building during the fire and throughout the firefighting and rescue efforts."
Firefighters responded to the hotel at 416 10th Street South at about 3 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2019. The building was evacuated and the four-alarm fire was not fully extinguished until the next day.
The three-story building served as an overflow shelter for people experiencing homelessness. At least 200 people were left without a place to stay, many of whom are now being sheltered by churches and a hotel.
When the cause is ruled "undetermined," the investigation remains open.
"Through witness statements, fire movement and intensity patterns, and fire growth rate, the investigators at this time have not discovered anything that would indicate that the fire was intentionally set," Oker said.
Fire officials say the cause could be changed as more information becomes available.
Also at a press conference on Thursday, city officials indicated that the entire Drake Hotel structure would be demolished, due to the instability of the remaining structure.
Demolition work has already brought down much of the eastern wing of the building, with work on the western wing set to begin next.
City officials are encouraging people not to trespass at the demolition site.
Donations have poured in for the hundreds displaced by the fire - including 100 children. Anyone interested in giving can still donate to the Minneapolis Foundation's fund here.
The Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 2-1-1 resource hotline is available for people displaced by the Drake Hotel fire, and anyone else throughout Minnesota who is in need. It’s free, confidential and multi-lingual. Trained information specialists will quickly assess needs and refer people to relevant resources.
There are three ways to access it:
- Dial 2-1-1: Available 24/7, 365
- Go to www.211unitedway.org: Available 24/7, 365
- Users can text their zip code to 898-211 for help: Available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
