Arson has not been ruled out in Thompson Block blaze, Ypsilanti fire officials say

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a fast-moving fire Sept. 23 that gutted the Thompson Block in Ypsilanti's Depot Town.

"We have not ruled out arson," Ypsilanti City Fire Inspector John Roe said this afternoon.

Roe and a Michigan State Police fire investigator walked inside the walls Monday, but are waiting for engineers to give approval to start sifting through debris.

It could take weeks to determine the cause of the fire at the historic 30,000 square-foot building, officials said.

Nothing has been taken from the scene to be analyzed, Roe said.

The fire broke out at about 1:40 a.m. at the Thompson Block at northeast corner of Cross and River streets, across from the Sidetrack Bar and Grill in Depot Town.

Ypsilanti fire officials said the building, which was being remodeled for lofts and retail space, was significantly damaged. Part of the building's roof collapsed, officials said.

Stewart Beal, who owns the building, has vowed to forge ahead with Depot Town restoration if possible.