The cause of the fire has been determined to be arson by persons unknown. A $15,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person or persons has been advertised by local television, radio, and print media in the Denver area. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms activated a National Response Team at the request of local officials to assist with the scene investigation and interviewing of witnesses. The fatalities were staying in rooms that did not exit directly to the outside of the building. Rather, these rooms discharged through an enclosed breezeway area which contained two open stairs that connected three levels of the motel. Investigators believe that the point of origin was near the bottom of the stairway on the lowest level. The smoke, heat, and fire spread up this stairway, rapidly engulfing the breezeway interior.