An investigation into the cause of the fire which destroyed the Sweet Ash Bistro and Smith's Antiques in Lone Butte in September has been unable to determine a cause for the blaze.
Jonathan Grieve, chief of the Lone Butte Volunteer Fire Department (LBVFD), said he conducted an investigation for the Office of the Fire Commissioner and was unable to determine an exact cause of the fire, which destroyed the building that contained both the bistro and antique store.
"Upon arrival, it was already fully involved," said Grieve, noting the LBVFD was assisted by 100 Mile Fire Rescue as well.
The two departments had six apparatuses on the incident in order to contain the blaze. The fire began sometime in the early morning hours of Sept. 18 and the fire department responded around 2 a.m.
RCMP also conducted an investigation of their own into the fire. Sgt. Brian Lamb said that at this time the RCMP concur with Grieve's assessment of the fire.
"However, at this time there is insufficient information or evidence to suggest that it was suspicious," Lamb said. "Obviously, if someone had information to suggest or provide information otherwise we’d ask that they call the RCMP."
Anyone with information on the cause of the fire who haven't talked to RCMP are encouraged to contact 100 Mile House RCMP at 250-395-2456.
The fire destroyed a building which included four store spaces, three of which were taken up by Smith's Antiques and one by Sweet Ash Bistro.
Hank Smith, the owner of Smith's Antiques, said he hasn't heard an update on the situation from the property owner as to whether there is a plan to rebuild or even whether it would be allowed, given the minimal setback from the highway.
Unfortunately for Smith, after disruptions to his business caused by wildfire evacuations and road closures, he had a disagreement with the insurance company and discontinued his insurance. His extensive antiques collection in the three shops was therefore uninsured.
"I'm not sure what I'm going to do," he said.
The owners of the Sweet Ash Bistro, meanwhile, have focused their attention on their sister business Sinister Subs in 100 Mile House. They had no further comment on the fire when simplymastery reached out to them for this story.
