Fire that destroyed UnityPoint office building was not intentionally set, investigators say

CEDAR RAPIDS — Fire investigators have determined the fire that destroyed a UnityPoint Health office Wednesday in northeast Cedar Rapids was not intentionally set.

The fire originated above the drop-down ceiling on the second floor, where the building’s utilities were located — including electrical wiring, fiber optics and components of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, according to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

Investigators said there was no evidence an incendiary device or substance was involved.

Crews responded to the two-story building at 3851 River Ridge Dr. NE — near Glass Road and Edgewood Road NE — when an automatic fire alarm went off at 6:07 p.m. Wednesday.

When they arrived, firefighters found about half the top floor was engulfed in flames, officials said.

The fire Department said two employees were in the building at the time, but were able to escape.

The commercial building is owned by TBD Investments and leased by UnityPoint Health System Services.

The building sustained significant damage, according to the fire department, but no injuries were reported.

In a statement Friday, UnityPoint Health thanked the responding fire departments and expressed relief that no one was hurt.

“We want to express our gratitude to the Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha firefighters who responded to the call” and to “the fire investigators for determining the cause,” the statement said.

“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.”

UnityPoint officials told The Gazette on Thursday that no patient data or medical records were affected by the fire.

The commercial building housed employees from information technology and administration support, UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids spokeswoman Sarah Corizzo told The Gazette. It also was used as an IT call center to provide computer support to system employees.

Comments: 319-398-8238; kat.russell@thegazette.com.