Grand Avenue Fire Undetermined Cause

Spencer, IA (KICD) — The state Fire Marshall’s office has completed its investigation into Spencer’s most recent downtown fire. Inspector Andrew Griere has sorted through the mess and determined the blaze did indeed start in an upstairs apartment where it was first spotted, but says it’s impossible to determine what started it.

Spencer’s City Attorney happens to own that structure, and three adjacent buildings that were damaged by smoke and water, and brought up the situation during his monthly report at Monday’s city council meeting.

Don Hemphill went on to thank the many agencies and individuals who helped.

And, Hemphill says, that help extends to some of the residents who lived in those upstairs apartments.

Hemphill’s law office occupied one of the storefronts. He told us the night of the fire, his records were safely backed up on computer, and he reported this week he’s found temporary office space at Kruse, Cate, and Nelson Engineering.

The fire broke out around noon January 22nd at 221 North Grand Avenue. The Spencer, Everly, and Spirit Lake fire departments were able to contain the conflagration to the building where it started.