The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

KIRKVILLE, MO. -- A massive fire that destroyed an entire city block in Novinger, Mo., early this month remains under investigation.

The blaze began in the early morning hours of Sept.12. It destroyed a structure that contained five buildings in downtown Novinger. Mo.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, Kirksville Police Department and Adair County Sheriff's Office are still investigating the cause of the fire.

“At this point it's undetermined. We have to gather all the information and all the facts before we can change that classification,” said Adair County Sheriff Robert Hardwick.

Hardwick says authorities have questioned more than 20 people about the blaze, and still have more interviews to complete.

“In face we had a meeting this morning here at the sheriff's office to discuss some other avenues that we're going to pursue in regards to tips for this fire in Novinger,” he said.

Hardwick asks that anyone with information on the fire contact the sheriff's office at (660) 665-4644, the police department at (660) 785-6945 or the state fire marshal's office at 1-800-39-ARSON.