A malfunction in the three-phase breaker panel in the mechanical room at The Butterfly was determined the point of origin for the fire that destroyed that and a neighboring business Sunday in downtown Warsaw.

Fire officials released their findings this morning after spending most of Tuesday piecing together what was left of The Butterfly building. It was determined the fire began in the east end of the back of The Butterfly building, and investigators worked Tuesday to further pinpoint the origin. Crews were on the scene until about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials believe the fire burned Sunday for quite a while before being discovered and had likely burned into the wall and across the ceiling before it was spotted.

After burning in The Butterfly, the fire extended "through natural progression" into Warsaw Tool Supply Inc. next door, according to a press release. The two businesses were in separate buildings but shared a common wall.

Both businesses sustained extensive damage, with The Butterfly being a total loss and Warsaw Tool having all but the main floor of the front portion of the building destroyed. Although Warsaw Tool didn't burn completely, officials said the area still standing sustained heavy smoke, heat and water damage and it is not yet known whether anything inside will be salvageable.

The combined total loss from the fire is preliminarily estimated at $990,000.

Originally, it was reported that Market Street would be reopened upon completion of the fire department's investigation. However, because the remaining portion of the Warsaw Tool building is not yet safe, the street will remain closed until a decision is made on the condition of the building.

City and fire officials are working with the necessary parties to do whatever is required to reopen both the street and the alleys and to eliminate the "dangerous and inconvenient condition created by this fire," according to a press release issued by the city. [[In-content Ad]]