ESCANABA — The Escanaba Public Safety Department has released the results of its investigation into the cause of a fatal fire in downtown Escanaba in January. The fire killed one person, destroyed two buildings and damaged other structures.

According to investigators, the fire was caused by “human introduction of the ignition source to flammable material.”

The fire occurred at 1:55 a.m. on the 1000 block of Ludington Street. Two businesses — Trinkets and Treasures at 1011 Ludington Street and neighboring Schwalbach’s Kitchens were destroyed. The body of Randy Hughes, 52, of Escanaba was later found in the debris.

Investigators said they looked at video footage taken the night of the fire, witness statements and fire scene investigation results when trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Video footage showed the fire coming from the rear south side of Trinkets and Treasures in the beginning stages of the fire. The video was supported by statements by witnesses. The findings of the investigation also supported this, police said.

The fire investigation was able to determine that the fire originated on the second floor of the building — a finding also supported by witness statements. This places the origin of the fire in the rear second floor of Trinkets and Treasures and spreading to adjacent structures.

“There was no indications that the ignition source came from a mechanical disfunction (electrical, heating, gas etc). The cause appears to have originated by human introduction of the ignition source to flammable material,” investigators stated in a press release.