QUILCENE — Investigators examining the smoldering remains of the Quilcene Hotel on Tuesday think that the fire originated in the lint trap of a clothes dryer.
Two Seattle-based special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dane Whetsel and David Johnsen, joined Quilcene Fire Chief Bob Wilson and East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Mike Mingee in gathering information on the midday Monday fire that destroyed the 1917 hotel in less than one hour.
Investigators spent most of Tuesday on the west side of the site where the clothes dryer sat in a utility room.
They analyzed the charred appliance and took photos.
“We’re trying to re-create what happened in that corner of the building,” said Wilson.
“On the preliminary investigation, we’re leaning toward the dryer lint trap. But the investigation is still ongoing.”
The investigators discounted an eyewitness’ report Monday that a trash bin was on fire just before the blaze broke out in the two-story, wooden hotel.
Afternoon probe
The investigators worked methodically throughout the afternoon, shoveling ashes and pouring them slowly on to the ground like a gold miner and his pan, so as not to miss a key piece of evidence.