(Lawrence, KS) – As expected, an investigation at Free State Brewing today revealed that Sunday morning’s two-alarm fire was the result of an electronic malfunction, according to an updated report in the Lawrence Jounal-World site (two videos on that page). The fire caused $1 million in damage and delays a new expansion project for the craft brewer.

From Brewmaster, Steve Bradt’s notice sent out after the incident: “Although we lost a substantial inventory of raw ingredients stored in the building, we are still able to continue production at our current levels downtown. What is now on hold is the planned expansion of our wholesale production and distribution. Needless to say, this is a significant setback, as we were hoping to begin brewing in the next couple of weeks.”

I first mentioned Free State Brewing in one of my previews of the Great Taste of the Midwest this past summer. The former GABF medalist has produced a number of beers that have proved favorable with the local beer crowd. The new bottling project, when it does occur, will be a small victory for craft beer in a region in which the brewery neighbors Anheuser-Busch.