UPDATE: Downtown Melrose Fire Causes $600,000 of Damages

MELROSE -- Last Thursday a fire broke out in downtown Melrose. The blaze affected 11 businesses, eight apartments and caused nearly $600,000 worth of damages.

The downtown fire comes nearly six months after the devastating fire at St. Mary's Church. Investigators believe arson was the cause of the church fire. Melrose Fire Chief Jeremy Kraemer says the cause of the fire is still unknown.

"The fires are unrelated and arson is not in suspicion on the fire."

Kraemer says they have determined the location of where the fire started.

"The fire did start in one of the upstairs apartments."

The fire investigation is now being turned over to the insurance companies.

The Melrose Area Historical Society says the buildings damaged are considered historical buildings and most of them were built in 1887.