For Immediate Release

Jan. 16, 2012

www.atf.gov

Contact: SA Trista Frederick, PIO, ATF

(816) 559-0724

Mike O’Connell, Communications Director

Missouri Division of Fire Safety

(573) 751-4819

Liberty Hills Country Club Fire Investigation Concluded

Investigators State Cause is Undetermined

LIBERTY, Mo. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kansas City Field Division and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety’s Office of the State Fire Marshal have completed the on-scene investigation into the cause of a fire at the Liberty Hills Country Club. The fire occurred at 19808 County Road H on Jan. 6 at approximately 5:43 p.m.

After three days of extensive scene examination and numerous interviews, investigators determined the fire originated in the basement of the clubhouse in an area south of the Pro Shop. Due to the extensive damage to the structure, investigators were unable to determine a cause of the fire. The official cause of the fire, at this time, will be undetermined. A finding of undetermined does not mean that a fire investigation is closed. If information is developed in the future to indicate or warrant further investigation, this finding can be changed. The fire caused approximately $3.5 million in damage.

ATF dispatched a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) to the scene. CFIs are highly trained special agents, who provide technical support, analysis and assistance to its state and local partners in the areas of fire origin and cause determination and arson investigation.

The investigation was conducted by ATF and the Missouri Office of the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with information about the fire should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-FIRE or 816-559-0850.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. For more information about ATF, go to www.atf.gov. Follow @ATFHQ on Twitter.

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