WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Investigators on Wednesday released the cause of a catastrophic fire that ripped through a popular West Palm Beach nonprofit's warehouse two months ago.
The February fire tore through Jack the Bike Man's warehouse located in the 400 block of Claremore Drive. The structure was built in 1925.
WATCH BELOW: Jack the Bike Man workers reunite with firefighters after warehouse blaze
The longtime nonprofit provides bicycles to children and others in need.
Some of the West Palm Beach firefighters who helped extinguish the fire returned to the site Wednesday. They received a hero's welcome and tribute for their tireless efforts to save the building.
According to fire officials, the blaze was "100% accidental." They once again said it likely started from a faulty electrical panel.
Investigators said it likely started on the rear wall of the warehouse's first floor, spreading slowly to the attic, where it began to burn more freely.
They believe the fire started the previous night on Feb. 18 at about 8 p.m., and then slowly spread until it reached the attic. Fire crews responded at about 4:45 a.m. on Feb. 19.
West Palm Beach Fire Chief Diana Matty said crews were at the site for 33 hours.
She also said they had to "go deeper into their playbook" based on the circumstances on the scene.
Matty said fire crews dug rocks from under nearby train tracks so that they could put the hose under the tracks and Brightline and other trains could continue to operate. They also adjusted water pressure in West Palm Beach so that residents nearby wouldn't be impacted.
"I'm so very proud of the work of our men and women in our fire department, and so glad we could help and continue the mission of Jack the Bike Man," Matty said.
On Wednesday, the executive director of the nonprofit, Alejandro Hernandez, thanked the crews that responded that day.
"Today is about gratitude," Hernandez said.
He also thanked his staff and volunteers for helping in the weeks after the chaotic fire.
"It means the world. We're just a local small little shop," Hernandez said. "For the whole county to come in and really support us, the firefighters ... It means a lot."
Hernandez said the warehouse was for sale at the time of the fire, causing a loss of about $500,000. Their focus is now on fundraising to bridge the funding gap following the devastating loss.
Despite the setback, they are still providing services to those in need.
"We're still very much open, giving services to the community," Hernandez said. "So, our retail shop is still open to sell bikes and parts, and service people that need to get their bikes fixed. We're still donating bicycles throughout the county to those who need a bike."
