Authorities Investigate Athens Theater Fire Monday

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Authorities are set to begin investigating a
fire that partially destroyed the historic Georgia Theatre.

The investigation opens Monday morning after police and
firefighters secured the block around the theater in downtown
Athens while waiting for it to cool off enough to enter following
the Friday blaze.

The danger of flare-ups usually remains for several days after a
fire in such a large building.

Athens-Clarke Director of Emergency Management Chuck Gulley said investigators with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the state fire marshal's office and the local fire department will work to find the fire's cause.

Gulley said he could not rule out arson, but officials do not
suspect foul play.