BAY MILLS — An official investigation of the Gnoozhekaaning Cultural Center fire has concluded and ruled the cause as accidental. According to BMPD Captain Kurt Perron, the insurance investigation determined that the fire was started by an electrical malfunction.
“The fire was accidental — not caused due to anyone's negligence,” Perron said. He added that Cultural Coordinator Lance Teeple has been treated for smoke inhalation at the Bay Mills Medical Clinic and is doing fine now.
The determination concurs with Fire Chief Ken Eagle's assessment. Eagle assisted the BMPD at its request, “We appreciate it,” said Perron.
Starting just before 9 a.m. on Feb. 19 the fire destroyed the Cultural Center, located on West Tower Road, in a little under an hour.
The center first opened in 1999 and was used for community cultural events. An addition meant to house the tribe's History Department was near completion. Although it was not burned outright, BMPD's Terry Carrick said that the fire had gotten into the roof above the new structure. For now, the History Department will remain in the Waishkey Center.
Perron also said, speaking as president of Cultural Committee, that the fire was “a significant loss for our culture and community.” He hopes that the center will be rebuilt so “we can continue our culture and traditions.”
At this point, the tribe is concentrating on salvaging as much as possible and taking the necessary steps to make sure the building is safe, according to Vice Chairman Allyn Cameron.
