Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Jan 24, 2013) – The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out at 9:45 -a.m., on Thursday (Jan 24th) to the former Jamestown Hospital building, at 419 5th St NE, currently being renovated into senior apartments (Legacy Living).

     

Initial reports indicated that smoke was coming from the basement of the building, called in by demolition workers.

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Jamestown Police Sgt., Justin Blinsky said the daycare facility, on the first floor, south end, ME’s 21st Century Daycare, was evacuated as a precaution, where 26 children were safely evacuated from the building, to the adjacent Lincoln School building, gymnasium with the assistance of police and fire fighters.

The children ranged in age from six months to 5 years of age.

15 construction workers were also evacuated from the building.

Jamestown City Fire Department Assistant Chief, Jerry Kainz said the fire started in the lower level of the building, where demolition work was being done.

He said workers were using a cutting torch on metal, in the tunnel area, located under the former hospital’s laundry and kitchen facilities, when sparks ignited wood in the tunnel.

City fire fighters belly-crawled into the area and soaked down the fire and adjacent area.

Kainz added the fire was small, but created lots of smoke.

The fire was contained to the tunnel space, and no other smoke damage was reported to the rest of the building.

He said there is fire alarm protection in the building.

24 city fire fighters responded with six units on the scene until 10:34 a.m.

No injuries were reported.

The former hospital building is being converted into apartments for senior citizens, future space for the James River Community Center, commercial space, and community space.

24 city fire fighters responded with six units on the scene until 10:34 a.m. Temperature at the time was -3F.

  Photos by Matt Sheppard