Determining what caused a fire that destroyed the home of a Winnebago businessman is expected to take a while.
Ron Howe, owner of Howe Electric, and his wife Carolyn were celebrating Bago Fun Fest activities the night of June 17 when the Faribault County Dispatch received a 911 call of a fire at 233 2nd Street Northwest around 11 p.m.
James Iammatteo, chief investigator with the State Fire Marshal Division, the investigation involves many variables his office cannot control.
Iammatteo says private insurance investigators and engineers most likely will be called in to examine debris at the fire scene.
“It can take several months to complete an investigation,” he says. “Sometimes even longer.”
Chief Deputy Scott Adams says the Sheriff’s Office mainly provided assistance to all agencies at the scene.
“Those duties included scene security and fire investigation,” says Adams. “Our office did not interview anyone.”
A benefit for the Howes is set for Friday, Aug. 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Municipal Center. A pulled pork sandwich supper and silent auction will be held.
Also, donations can be made to an account opened for the Howes at First Financial Bank in Winnebago.
Checks can be made payable to “Howe Benefit” and mailed to First Financial Bank, P.O. Box 988, Winnebago, MN, 56098.