UPDATE: Investigators have determined that the fire at the Knitting Factory was accidentally caused by a contractor working on the HVAC system. The contractor was using a cutter to cut the metal ductwork inside, causing a spark that ignited combustible materials inside that ducting. The fire escaped the duct, burning the wood floor joist on the second floor and into the wall.
The fire started just after 5 p.m. on September 11. About 60% of the interior of the Knitting Factory is damaged by fire, smoke or water. The businesses north of the Knitting Factory have power restored.
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Boise Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the Knitting Factory fire that occurred Tuesday evening in Downtown Boise. Officials say that the fire burned between the first and second floors and that about 60% of the damage at the Knitting factory is due to smoke and water.
When the fire department arrived on the scene, nearby businesses and patrons were evacuated from the site immediately and three people were treated for smoke inhalation. The Knitting Factory was scheduled to hold a concert Thursday night, but the venue announced Wednesday that the event will be moved to the Revolution Concert House.
Since the fire broke out, neighboring businesses have been shut down and without electricity. As of Wednesday afternoon businesses in the building were given power and property restoration crews were called in to clean the air, sanitize the facilities and get them back to standard.
All businesses with the exception of Knitting Factory are expected to be open by the weekend.
