Chicopee investigations into Bandag, Center Street fires continuing

Firefighters do not know the cause of either fire yet.

File photo by John Suchocki / The RepublicanFirefighters pour water on the smoldering remains of a fire at Westover Bandag Monday, that started Sunday night.

CHICOPEE – Local Fire Department examiners working with the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives agency are continuing to investigate the cause of Sunday’s fire that destroyed Westover Bandag at 920 Sheridan St.

Investigators returned to the industrial building Thursday, assisted by a trained dog. It is routine for the state Fire Marshal’s office and the federal agency to assist when fires result in large losses in property, said Fire Capt. Mark Galarneau, who is one of the investigators.

The Fire Department is also continuing to search for a cause to last month’s fire that destroyed a three-story building at 17-23 Center St., which left six people homeless and destroyed the Wickles FinePrinting.