Investigators from the Vermont State Police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms searched Tuesday for the cause of the fire at the Hawk's Nest, which was reported at 3:10 a.m.
The fire destroyed at least half of the $3.5 million, 66-unit L-shaped building. Investigators were trying to determine what was salvageable.
St. Albans Town Fire Chief Harold Cross said the flames spread quickly because fire doors had not yet been installed.
``It was wide open inside,'' he said.
Cross said that although the sprinkler system had been installed, the water had not been turned on.
Cross said firefighters were able to stop the blaze at the southwest corner of the building, saving one section.
The west wing was spared fire damage, but incurred water and smoke damage, he said.
Cross said the ATF agents were investigating because the building was worth more than $1 million.
Hawk's Nest sits on 2.6 acres at the intersection of Route 104 and Fairfield Street, across from the Northwestern Medical Center.
The fire was spotted by a resident of the adjacent Franklin County Rehab & Adult Care Center.
Staff members moved 40 Rehab Center residents from the rehab wing to the Mansfield wing, farther away from the Hawk's Nest. The residents returned to their rooms at about 6 a.m.
There were to be 48 one-bedroom apartments and 18 two-bedroom units at Hawk's Nest. Most apartments were to have full kitchens, private bathrooms, a living room area and a private balcony or patio. A shared, common area included a dining room and kitchen, where residents were to hold community events.
