Fire Marshal Rules Out Air Conditioner in 450 Monroe Turnpike Blaze

A air conditioning unit had been repaired at the shopping plaza at 450 Monroe Turnpike during the day on June 16, and former town attorney Fred Martin heard a "bang" just before the fire alarm went off that evening. But Fire Marshal Bill Davin ruled out the air conditioner as the cause of the blaze Monday.

However, investigators are still leaning toward an electrical malfunction while trying to determine the cause.

"We're waiting for testing on other electrical items," Davin said.

Dentist Saul Sloan's second-floor office was completely destroyed when the fire erupted and Martin and John Wakely have been unable to work out of the law office they share next door. Monroe Pediatrics and All American Appliance, which is on the first floor, were also greatly affected.

Businesses that had since reopened in the building include Benjamin Moore paint, Monroe Nail Salon, Soup Thyme and Home Technologies Inc. Security Specialists.