Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin, Bozeman Police Chief Ron Price, Bozeman Deputy Fire Chief Greg Megaard and Ken Bray of the ATF held a joint press conference Tuesday morning regarding the fires at Heritage Christian School and the businesses at 1087 Stoneridge Drive. 

Saturday night's Heritage Christian School and Stoneridge Drive fires started less than half an hour apart, the buildings just two miles from each other.

"Right now we are looking at everything and it would be negligent to not take that into consideration that they may be, and that's why we are working together and we're sharing information," Sheriff Gootkin said.

Investigators say both fires are "suspicious", but aren't saying they are directly related.

"Have we got something that says this one was tied to this one? No we do not at this time. But obviously common sense and good investigative technique says we have to look at that," Chief Price said.

ATF officials say they plan to use any and all resources possible in order to find out how the fire started at the Stonerdige Drive building and at Heritage Christian School.

"We're bringing certain technology from outside the state, outside the region. And I can assure you that the federal government will spare no expense and will spare no resources in bringing this to a successful conclusion," said Bray.

Electrical engineers will assess both buildings to see if the fires could have been started by electricity. Officials say they aren't ready to call it arson.

"When you don't have these presumptive causes going in, then by the very nature of it it then becomes suspicious and then it becomes an unknown cause," said Price.

Sheriff Gootkin says the investigation will move quicker with the help of people who may have information or tips on the fire, and Bray says situations like this take time.

Anyone wishing to loan or donate supplies or materials or offer labor to get the new facility ready for the school year can do so by contacting the school at hcsbozeman@gmail.com with HELP in the subject line.