Tamaqua Fire Chief Jim Connely said the fire Wednesday at 320-322 W. Broad St. is still under investigation.

Connely said he is not the one who will make a final determination on the cause of the fire that left 18 people homeless.

“It’s all on Trooper Burns,” he said of state police fire marshal trooper John Burns out of the Frackville station.

Burns did not return a call for comment.

Connely said he didn’t revisit the scene Thursday, but he doesn’t know if Burns did.

When asked if the public should provide any information about a potential cause of the fire, he said that is up to Burns.

Connely didn’t provide a damage estimate on the fire that had numerous fire companies from Schuylkill and Carbon counties responding. The 1:23 p.m. fire had firefighters busy for hours. Traffic was blocked at Broad Street and Memorial Avenue.

The fire was contained around 3 p.m., Connely said, although firefighters continued to douse hot spots.

Former Councilman Justin Startzel is collecting clothing and supplies for the families.