ST. CHARLES – A fire that last month temporarily closed a downtown restaurant was accidental, St. Charles Assistant Fire Chief Joe Schelstreet said Friday.
Fire officials do not, however, know the cause of the June 1 fire that caused $450,000 in damage to Salerno's on the Fox, 320 N. Second St.
That is now more of an issue between Nicor Gas and the insurance company, Schelstreet said. He noted the fire department doesn't have any reason to hurry the investigation since nothing appears to be suspicious.
Officials have said a substantial gas leak helped feed the two-alarm fire.
Pipeline safety staff with the Illinois Commerce Commission also conducted an investigation into the incident, but the report has not been completed, and the fire's origin has not been determined.
A spokesperson with ICC said in an email to expect the report in late August.
The Italian restaurant reopened five days after the fire.
