Police say Rust Bay fire was likely not caused by a third party

Investigators believe it is highly likely that no third party caused the fire that destroyed about 200 boat garages in Rust Bay, ORF reported. The cause has not been established, and the investigation is continuing.

The size of the burned area and numerous hazards are making the search difficult, police spokesperson Ludwig Goldenitsch said. It is not yet known how long the investigation will take.

Cleanup cannot begin until police release the area. Preparations are under way, and the city of Rust is coordinating next steps, said Harald Weiss of the Rust lakeside resort operating company. Insurance experts have met to coordinate the damage assessment. A clearance order will set out how the area must be cleared and who is authorised to do the work.

Rust hopes to complete the cleanup by the end of January. What will happen to the area afterwards remains undecided.

The fire broke out during the night of 15 October and kept about 300 firefighters at the scene for several hours.