BLOOMSBURG - Thursday's fire that caused approximately $1 million damage to a historic building in the downtown district is not suspicious.
Although the exact cause of the blaze at the Moose Exchange couldn't be determined due to the extensive damage, Bloomsburg Fire Chief Robert Rupp said it appears to be electrical in nature.
Rupp said the fire started in a rear storage room in the three-story brick building operated by a non-profit arts organization at Main and Jefferson streets.
The fire chief estimated total damage at $1 million, noting that many art works, records, comic books and other historical items were destroyed.
The fire was brought under control in approximately two hours.
Rupp inspected the fire-ravaged property with a state police fire marshal from Hazleton and determined the blaze is not suspicious.
The former Loyal Order of the Moose building is marketed as a community center and an entrepreneurial incubator that contains a dozen businesses including the Stairwell Gallery, a bowling alley and the Art Deco Grille Room that hosts arts programs presented by Bloomsburg University.