Cause of fires undetermined

The cause of two unrelated and recent fires in Wahkiakum County remain undetermined.

According to Austin Burkhalter, assistant chief for the Grays River Fire Department, because a fire at a home on Altoona/Pillar Rock Road on May 28 did not appear suspicious, there was no request for a fire investigator. It is believed that the homeowner’s insurance company will likely conduct their own investigation.

As for the fire at the home on South Welcome Slough on May 31, the cause is still being investigated, Wahkiakum County Undersheriff Gary Howell said on Tuesday.