Federal agency called in to investigate Cobblestone Fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A federal agency has been called in to investigate the fire that occurred in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District last week, the City of Buffalo confirmed to WIVB News 4 Tuesday.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was called in to investigate the cause of the fire, at the request of the Buffalo Fire Department. The fire broke out at 110-118 South Park Avenue on the evening of June 18. Damage was estimated at $1.1 million.

The structure, which dates back to the 1800s and is one of Buffalo’s oldest buildings, will not be demolished, officials announced last week.

The building’s owner, Darryl Carr, was fighting the city in a major dominion case. Carr wanted to redevelop the space while the city wanted to save it. Preservation Buffalo Niagara Executive Director Bernice Radle said Carr has wanted to demolish the building for a decade. Conservationists have been trying to save the building for a decade.

The ATF, which investigates serious fires, including “arson and bombings,” among other cases. He was last called to the Western New York area to investigate the March 2023 fire that killed Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno.

The office should be on site in the coming days, perhaps Tuesday.