Fire Investigators Return to McMahan's

Investigators are close to entering the burned building, which had to be partially dismantled over safety concerns.

McMahan's Furniture burning Thursday Photo courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Salem Fire investigators returned to the scene of an intense downtown fire Monday morning. McMahan's Furniture burned Thursday, and firefighters could do little but protect other neighboring businesses, which they succeeded in doing.

Investigators have had to stand by, as structural engineers assess the building's level of safety for entry. Until investigators are inside, little will be known about the cause of the fire.

The roof has started to be removed from the building, and Salem Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says that as soon as that is completed, investigators will be able to enter the structure to conduct their investigation, which could begin as early as Monday afternoon.

Two Salem firefighters received minor injuries while fighting the blaze that belched black and gray smoke into the capitol city air for hours.

Anybody with information on the fire is asked to contact Salem Fire or Salem Police.