Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The cause of the devastating fire at Mulligan's Brick Bar on Allen Street in Buffalo early Sunday has been ruled accidental, and most likely the cause of electrical or mechanical issues, City of Buffalo officials said late Monday.
A statement from the city read:
"Following a thorough investigation by the Buffalo Fire Department, with the assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the cause of the fire at Mulligan’s Brick Bar, 229 Allen Street, that took place early Sunday morning has been officially ruled as undetermined, and is being classified as accidental, most likely the result of electrical or mechanical malfunction."
Crews were originally set to begin demolition of the property starting Tuesday morning, but Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon released a statement Monday night, announcing a temporary pause on demolition to allow for further discussions to explore potential stabilization options for the building. Those discussions among interested parties include the building owner, Preservation Buffalo Niagara, and other community representatives.
Should a viable solution not be reached, demolition will proceed as planned on Wednesday at 9 a.m. EST.
"I want to extend my gratitude to the Buffalo Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for their swift and thorough investigation, which determined the cause of the fire to be accidental in nature, likely due to mechanical or electrical failure," said Mayor Scanlon in a statement on Monday. "Their professionalism and dedication to public safety are commendable and appreciated."
"There are truly no words to express the heartbreak I feel for my bar, our bar, Mulligan’s Brick Bar," said owner Kim Rossi in a statement. "Following the devastating fire that occurred early Sunday morning, I am deeply saddened to share that the damage is beyond repair, and the bar is a total loss."
Rossi says she will be working with the Buffalo History Museum to donate items of historic significance from the bar.
The fire at Mulligan's was reported shortly after 4 a.m. EST on Sunday.
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