ST. LOUIS – Nearly a week after flames engulfed vacant warehouses in downtown St. Louis–leaving one unhoused person missing–the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit is now leading the investigation into the matter.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), the regional bomb and arson unit is requested to investigate incidents regarding a fatality or suspected fatality.
As detectives work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to determine what caused the fire, the St. Louis Fire Department said many stayed at the historic Crunden Martin Warehouse facility for warmth.
“They normally start a fire, some type of warming fire or a cooking fire,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson previously. “At some point, they either fall asleep or they leave the building, and don’t completely put that fire out. As a result, we see major fires in vacant buildings during this type of weather.”…