Bishop Castle open for tourism; fire ‘most likely electrical’

The fire that destroyed two buildings at Bishop Castle overnight Wednesday was most likely started by an electrical issue.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office released an update Thursday saying investigators had concluded their look into the fire, which claimed the castle’s gift shop and an accessory building. The total damage is estimated at about $185,000.

An arson investigator said the official cause will be unknown, but that it was likely electrical.

The castle itself wasn’t damaged and is currently open for tourism. Parts of the grounds may still be smoldering for the next few days, CCSO said.

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A fire overnight left two buildings destroyed at the Bishop Castle in Rye, but the castle itself wasn’t damaged.

According to the Custer County Office of Emergency Management, firefighters were still on scene Wednesday morning, but the main fire has subsided. Officials say the gift shop and an accessory building on the property were destroyed. ( PHOTOS )

The cause of the fire isn’t yet known. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office says additional information will be given later Wednesday.

Jim Bishop built the castle outside of Rye and began construction in 1969. It has since grown and become a roadside tourist attraction.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.