Report shows electrical failure started fire that destroyed NE Salem office

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 electr