An electrical failure started a fire that destroyed a northeast Salem office housing veteran and medical services last month, a fire marshal investigation found.

In less than three hours, the fire totaled the office, sending plumes of dark smoke into the air and evacuating nearby businesses and organizations.

It destroyed an estimated $1.7 million worth in property, according to Salem Fire Department reports obtained Wednesday by Salem Reporter.

The fire was reported in the late morning July 11 at 3886 Beverly Ave. N.E., a complex just off Northeast Lancaster Drive

Bystanders at the scene told responders it was an electrical fire, which the Salem Fire Department would not confirm with Salem Reporter at the time.

The department’s investigative report lists the fire’s cause as an electrical failure above a bathroom in the office of AM’s Riders, a medical transport company.

READ IT: Salem fire investigative report

Investigators spoke to employees who described seeing the bathroom’s ceiling on fire before trying to extinguish it and evacuating. One employee who ran back inside to grab something said he saw the entire office ceiling on fire as tiles fell down.

“Based on the witness statements, a bathroom fan in the concealed space above the bathroom is the most probable cause of this fire,” Salem Deputy Fire Marshal Justin Guinan wrote in a report. The cause was also listed as being accidental.

Although no electrical issues with the fan came up ahead of the fire, employees reported other issues at the building.

Several employees who worked in the office told investigators electrical breakers tripped when they used microwaves and space heaters at the same time, according to the report.

Building owner Jon Stadick told investigators there had been no “out-of-the-ordinary” maintenance issues after completing routine construction several months ago, Guinan wrote.

A total of 18 vehicles and 40 people responded to the scene, a fire department report said. Responders came from Salem, Keizer and Marion County fire agencies.

The fire closed nearby offices, including the HIV Alliance and Marion County Health and Human Services programs.

No injuries were reported.

VETcare director Roy McClain told Salem Reporter last month he expected to move the suicide prevention program into another building at the complex.

HIV Alliance re-opened its office several days after the fire and is offering limited services after pausing its Salem operations as a result of the fire.

Alliance clients needing services in Salem can call 541-342-5088 to schedule an appointment to meet with staff, according to a Facebook post.

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

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Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].

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