Fire At St. Paul Hotel Construction Site Intentionally Set: Feds

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The massive Aug. 4 blaze at a downtown St. Paul hotel construction site was the result of an intentionally set fire, according to federal authorities. The final determination was made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson.

The fire was so large it scattered pieces of ash and smoke miles away from the site. People in West St. Paul — a Dakota County suburb located on the other side of the Mississippi River from downtown — reported finding ash in their yards.

The blaze also melted street signs near the construction site.

After investigating the scene, reviewing video footage and talking to witnesses, investigators ruled the fire to be "incendiary," or intentionally set. The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities used cadaver dogs — trained to detect human remains — and heavy equipment to find any possible victims in the fire. After four days of extensive searches, no human remains were found and no persons were unaccounted for.

"We’re pleased that the ATF National Response Team was able to assist our local and state partners to bring us to this conclusion," said Terry Henderson, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Division, in a news release.

"We will continue to work this case to determine who might be responsible for this fire."