Little progress in fire investigation

The investigation continues into a fire that gutted Davis Appliance and Furniture more than three weeks ago.

Paul Davis, an owner of the Deans Bridge Road business, said he's waiting on an adjuster to get bids on cleaning up the site.

As of Tuesday, the cause of the fire still was not known.

"It is still under investigation," Augusta Fire Deputy Chief Carl Scott said, referring all other questions to Richmond County Fire Investigator Lt. Neal Brown, who was out of the office on vacation and couldn't be reached.

The fire, which occurred the morning of Dec. 7, caused major damage to the 20,000-square-foot structure.

The Augusta Fire Department is taking the lead in the investigation, working with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"ATF is assisting the fire department down there with the cause and origin, and it's still the fire department's jurisdiction," said Jeff Pearce, an assistant special agent in charge with the ATF, adding that there are no leads yet.