Big Fire in Canton Ruled Accidental; Other Blazes Probed
Posted/updated on: October 21, 2015 at 4:33 pm
CANTON — Investigators have determined the fire at “The Mountain,” a popular flea market destination in Canton, was accidental. KETK reports the fire originated in a workroom or one of the businesses at the site. It is undetermined as to what actually caused the fire. Cleaning chemicals, thinners, paint, batteries, tools, and many other flammable and combustible items were in the area. Officials say the conclusion was based on witness statements, observations of fire/law enforcement officers, and visual inspection and investigation of the building of origin.
The blaze broke out around 1 a.m. on Saturday. The fire spread to businesses and houses, destroying nearly everything in its path. After battling the fire for three hours, crews were able to contain and put out the flames. No injuries were reported, but the blaze damaged roughly 60 structures and close to five acres of property. This is the second time in two years The Mountain was heavily damaged by a fire. In 2013, a blaze ripped through the flea market, destroying nearly 10 percent of the site.
Meanwhile, the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office other fires that have occurred over the past several days. Also on Saturday morning, officials responded to Rolling Oaks and found an abandoned mobile home on fire. The Fire Marshal’s office, Canton Fire Department and Canton Police Department are continuing to interview subjects with information about the early stages of the fire. At this time, it does not appear to an incendiary or suspicious fire.
On Monday, firefighters were dispatched to an abandoned vehicle fire on an oil lease road behind the Van Football Field. The vehicle was later identified by investigators with the East Texas Auto Task Force as a 2003 Dodge pickup. The vehicle appeared to have been abandoned and was found on fire by a well checker. Anyone with information on the fires still under investigation is asked to contact the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office or Crimestoppers at (903) 567-STOP.
