Fire damage at Piedmont Lumber estimated at $5million; cause still under investigation

Here are some updates coming in Sunday on the four-alarm blaze that destroyed Piedmont Lumber on North Main Street Saturday:

--The fire caused an estimated $5 million in damage, but the cause is still under investigation.

--However, investigators don't believe the cause is related to an arson fire that occurred last August at Piedmont's location in Pittsburg, and damaged an adjacent business. Although that fire was labeled arson, no one was ever found to be responsible.

--Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigators are joining firefighters in searching the large property, but Contra Costa Consolidated Fire Protection District authorities said their participation is common.

--The Contra Costa Times reports that the company's headquarters in the Pleasant Hill Executive Park on Taylor Boulevard in Pleasant Hill appeared to be vacant, with no sign on the door and no furniture or fixtures seen inside. The state Secretary of State's office lists that location as the company's heardquarters.