WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The fire broke out about 11:30 p.m. on Friday local time (10:30 GMT Saturday) during the party featuring musician Golden Donna’s 100% Silk West Coast tour, killing 36 people.
"There is no evidence at this time that the fire was arson or that it was intentionally set," Snyder told reporters on Wednesday.
Snyder noted media outlets have aired much misinformation by claiming that the cause for the fire has been a faulty refrigerator.
Snyder urged the media not to report any premature conclusions before the investigation into the fire is completed.
ATF experts will be on the scene for several days looking at physical evidence and walking witnesses through the building to get a better explanation of what caused the fire, Snyder added.
According to the ATF officials, the Oakland warehouse fire led to the highest number of fire fatalities in the United States in the last 13 years.