Investigators Determine Point Of Origin For Winthrop Fire

Officials said Thursday that the fire that broke out at Winthrop University’s Owen Hall Saturday started outside of the building on a section of roof where Owens Hall and Bancroft Annex join.

Rock Hill fire investigators believe the fire was accidental, but haven’t yet been able to determine its cause.

Fire Investigator Capt. Otis Driggers has ruled out the mechanical room, HVAC and elevator systems as causes. The only piece of mechanical equipment in the area of the roof where the fire started is an exhaust fan, which was also ruled out as a cause.

Driggers expects to complete the investigation into the fire’s cause in the next week to 10 days, but said it’s possible that the cause of the fire won’t be determined.

Previous Stories: March 8, 2010: University Cancels Classes As Officials Investigate Fire March 8, 2010: Crews Begin Investigation Into Fire At Winthrop University