The November fire that destroyed a storage shed behind Subway on East Main Street started with a pellet stove in the building, according to fire officials.

Albert Lea Fire Inspector Doug Johnson said though investigators pinpointed the cause to the stove, they were unable to figure out exactly how it malfunctioned. The blaze destroyed the building, at 716 E. Main St.

The structure was owned by Jeff Quam of Albert Lea and his son, Wade, and housed three classic automobiles — a 1955 Chevy, a 1950 Studebaker and a 1968 Ford Mustang.

Jeff Quam said there were also antiques and other things he has collected during the last 40 years in the building. A pet rabbit and cat died in the fire.

Quam speculated whether the fire started from the pellet stove or an electrical box.

He said because of the damage it was difficult to investigate.

The fire was called in by a passer-by the morning of Nov. 25.

Police blocked off East Main Street from Garfield Avenue to Newton Avenue as about 30 firefighters responded to the blaze, causing drivers to take different routes during their morning commute. The firefighters had the blaze under control around mid-morning but returned later to douse hot spots.

Quam said he plans to rebuild the storage structure soon and has purchased a new 1955 Chevy to replace the one he had owned for 21 years. The owners of the other two automobiles are looking for replacements.