Fire destroys office building along Lancaster Drive, affecting businesses, care services

A fire in an east Salem office complex destroyed a building off of Northeast Beverly Avenue N.E. late Friday morning, causing nearby businesses to close and sending a billowing tower of dark smoke into the air.

Firefighters remained at the scene as of 1:30 p.m., still dousing the fire, which was under control. The fire was reported at Suite 16 of 3886 Beverly Ave. N.E. at 10:33 a.m. The building hosts multiple organizations and care…