The fire at the Cuming Museum was caused by roofers using a blowtorch, investigators for the London Fire Brigade (LFB) believe.
A report into the incident revealed that investigators believed that the fire was caused by building work being carried out on the roof.
According to an LFB spokeswoman, it is believed that the blaze, which was attended by more than 100 firefighters, was started accidentally.
The council is carrying out its own investigation into the incident, which resulted in the loss of two of the museum’s three displays, and water damage to several objects in storage.
A council spokeswoman said: “We are close to completing our investigations on the cause of the fire, including the possibility that the fire may have resulted from work being carried out on the roof of the building.
“The council will give full consideration to the final report and will need to properly consider what, if any, further action it wishes to take.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed that following the fire, thieves broke into the burnt-out museum building and stole an ornate Asian tray, along with personal possessions belonging to museum staff.
A report into the incident revealed that investigators believed that the fire was caused by building work being carried out on the roof.
According to an LFB spokeswoman, it is believed that the blaze, which was attended by more than 100 firefighters, was started accidentally.
The council is carrying out its own investigation into the incident, which resulted in the loss of two of the museum’s three displays, and water damage to several objects in storage.
A council spokeswoman said: “We are close to completing our investigations on the cause of the fire, including the possibility that the fire may have resulted from work being carried out on the roof of the building.
“The council will give full consideration to the final report and will need to properly consider what, if any, further action it wishes to take.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed that following the fire, thieves broke into the burnt-out museum building and stole an ornate Asian tray, along with personal possessions belonging to museum staff.
