Fourth Street fire not arson

COEUR d'ALENE — It is unlikely arson is the cause of a Wednesday night fire that destroyed three Fourth Street businesses at a strip mall in Coeur d'Alene, investigators said.

According to a press release from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, personnel completed a preliminary investigation of the area on Friday of a fire that occurred at Fourth Street and Hazel Avenue late Wednesday night. The fire — which left the Good Samaritan Thrift Store, a pawn shop and Tangles Hair Salon in ruins — likely started in the back of the thrift store before spreading throughout the building.

"At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined," a news release from the fire department stated. "While an accidental cause is most likely, engineers being brought in later this month will assist in confirming that hypothesis."

After completing the initial investigation, fire department personnel turned the scene over to representatives of the property owner's insurance companies. The release stated those representatives will meet later this month with fire investigators and engineers to further discuss the incident.