The Verdict: No Verdict

The Board of Police and Fire Commissioners makes public the results of its hearings on the fire.  The board has concluded that the disaster started in the O’Leary barn and that it began shortly before 9:30, but also that there is no evidence anyone had been in the barn since nightfall.  “Whether it originated from a spark blown from a chimney on that windy night, or was set on fire by human agency,” the Board admits, “we are unable to determine.”