UPDATE: Arson ruled cause of Gallery Furniture fire

Authorities following leads

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, May 28, 2009

HOUSTON — Investigators have determined that arson was the cause of the fire that destroyed Gallery Furniture's 70,000-square-foot warehouse here last week and damaged the retailer's main showroom next door.

Gallery's Jim McGrath, a spokesman for store owner Jim McIngvale, said the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives looked at the possible scenarios, ruled out accidental fire and is confident "this is an act of arson."

He said ATF announced the finding this morning and is launching an official investigation.

"They're following all the leads and have about 100 leads right now," said McGrath.

Earlier news reports said the May 21 fire may have started near a generator in the warehouse. 

Franceska Perot, an ATF special agent, said the bureau announced at a press briefing this morning that the case has become a criminal investigation. The ATF has estimated the damage from the fire at $15 million to $20 million, but Gallery owner Jim McIngvale told Furniture/Today he thinks the total loss will be "way north" of $20 million. 

McIngvale later released this statement:

"Linda (his wife and Gallery co-owner) and I were informed yesterday by investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Fire Department's Arson Division that they have discovered evidence that last Thursday night's fire at Gallery Furniture's I-45 warehouse was not accidental.

"Now that an official investigation has been opened, we have no comment on the matter except to ask any individual with any information that might assist investigators to call 1-888-ATF-FIRE or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

"Linda and I also want to thank the brave men and women of the Houston Fire Department for their courageous efforts to save our store last week, as well as the thousands of Houstonians and fellow Texans who have expressed your support and encouragement for the Gallery Furniture family since then. Your kind words and prayers have kept us going through this challenging time.

"Make no mistake: Gallery Furniture is strong, stable and excited about our future. We will overcome this hardship so we can continue serving our loyal customers."