Could a Dentist Chair Have Caused the Monroe Turnpike Blaze?

An air conditioning unit above Dr. Sloan's dental practice at 450 Monroe Turnpike was fixed on June 16, the day a fire broke out in the commercial building. But investigators ruled that out as the cause of the blaze, which they believe was electrical in nature. Now they are focusing on a dental chair, according to Fire Marshall Bill Davin.

On Friday, Davin said the results of testing on the chair performed by investigators working for the dental practice's insurance company have yet to come in.

In addition to Dr. Sloan's second-floor office, the brick building also houses Monroe Nail Salon, Benjamin Moore paint store, Home Technologies Inc. Security Specialists, the law offices of Fred Martin and John Wakely, All American Appliance, Soup Thyme and Monroe Pediatrics.

Meanwhile, Davin's office is still looking for leads in the arson investigation into Monday morning's blaze at Rustic Grill,
494 Main Street. Davin said there was also an attempted arson at Frank's Barber Stylists, which is in the same building, and at Matt & Louie's Barber Shop at 258 Main Street.

The fire marshal said a $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s). Those with information should call the Connecticut Arson Hotline at 1-800-84ARSON.