Commercial Fire Damages Several Salem Businesses

Investigators were on scene all morning and will return Wednesday with heavy equipment

Video and photo by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Salem firefighters were called out to a commercial fire at 11:01 p.m. New Year's Eve, located at 1048 Lancaster Dr. NE, Academy Square.

While en route, dispatchers advised that a police officer was reporting smoke and flame through the roof. A second alarm was requested. Salem Fire's Engine 3 arrived and reported heavy smoke and fire from the south end of the building. Firefighters were on scene all night battling the blaze which was brought under control about 2:03 a.m.

Several remained on scene checking for hot spots.

Numerous business were affected by the fire including Liberty Tax, La Concinarda, Diamond Nails, Game Crazy, & Benjamin paints.

Investigators were on scene all morning and will be returning on Wednesday with heavy equipment to remove portions of the collapsed roof.

During this commercial structure fire, Salem Fire Department also responded to a residential structure fire at 11:34 p.m. in the 500 block of 25th St. SE. Fire crews cleared the residential fire at 1:12 a.m. The fires are believed to be unrelated at this time.

Salem Fire Department is asking for anyone with information about the fire, to contact Deputy Fire Marshal Sean Mansfield @ 503-588-6245.

Video photo essay from the scene, recorded and edited by Jerry Freeman, Salem-News.com:

Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarked on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Jerry's quick exhibition of natural talent and ability to shoot breaking news led to his becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team.