CRFD: Fire at UnityPoint Health building ruled unintentional

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — According to an update from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, a large fire at a commercial building owned by UnityPoint Health on April 7, is now ruled unintentional.

Investigators say the fire started above the drop-down ceiling on the second floor of the building located at 3851 River Ridge Dr. NE.

That’s where firefighters say the building’s utilities were located including electrical wiring, fiber optics, along with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system components.

The large fire was reported at about 6:07 p.m. Wednesday.

Two employees inside the building were able escape. A spokesperson for Unity Point also said no patient data or medical records were affected.

Firefighters say the building is a total loss.

UnityPoint issued a statement in response to the investigation:

We want to express our gratitude to the Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha firefighters who responded to the call at the UnityPoint Health System Services building on River Ridge Dr., NE Wednesday and to the fire investigators for determining the cause.

UnityPoint Health is thankful no one was injured. The building is a total loss and is unsafe for entry. The building was insured. UnityPoint Health is supporting its team members who worked in the building through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Most of the UnityPoint Health System Services River Ridge employees have been working from home because of the pandemic. For team members who came into the building, temporary office space has been identified within UnityPoint Health. A UnityPoint Health planning team is evaluating next steps for future office space.