PORT ANGELES — The fire that destroyed the New Peking restaurant and lounge last week was likely caused by faulty wiring, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

The Sheriff’s Office said the fire started in an inaccessible part of the attic of the World War II-era building.

The New Peking, located at 2416 E. U.S. Highway 101, burned to the ground early morning July 5.

Because the fire occurred just hours after Independence Day, fireworks had been theorized.

But fireworks were ruled out as the cause, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Although investigators suspect faulty electrical wiring, the Sheriff’s Office noted that a more “definitive determination” is not possible due to the extent of the fire damage.

Meanwhile, Sequim resident Craig S. Foster, 49, will be arraigned on second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree burglary charges July 22 for allegedly trying to steal copper and merchandise from the building’s charred remains.

Foster made bail Monday but was booked into the Clallam County jail Wednesday for investigation of first-degree theft.

Meanwhile, a fire that destroyed nearby A&N Upholstery the early morning of July 4 remains under investigation.

The fire started near the front of the business at 122 North Gales St., less than a block away from New Peking.