On Wednesday, an overnight fire devastated the Cedardale Health and Fitness Center, destroying a quarter of the building and causing approximately $2 million in damages.
Firefighters were called to the building around 2 am, and were still working to douse the flames at dawn, when spreading flames forced the crew out of the building.
Haverhill Fire Chief William LaLiberty told CBS Boston, “When the fire started going through the roof and material started falling on them, it was time to get them out of the building and take care of their safety.”
According to LaLiberty, the facility was built prior to universal sprinkler system requirements, and solar panels on the roof made it difficult to get water to the source of the flames.
Around 5:30 am, Club staff updated its Facebook page to assure the community that there were no injuries. “Everyone is safe!” the post read. “The Club was empty at the time of the fire, crews are responding.”
An employee told CBS that several areas of the club were rendered unusable, including basketball courts, locker rooms, the cafeteria, the nursery and the indoor pool.
The entire club is closed for the time being, but plans to reopen the undamaged areas as soon as possible. Management is looking at renting industrial space to hold classes such as indoor cycling while they start on repairs.
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Nearby club Choice Fitness posted a message to the center’s displaced patrons later on Wednesday, offering a temporary free membership while Cedardale Health and Fitness focuses on rebuilding.
“It is our sincere wish that Cedardale owners rebuild and repair their facility so you can return as soon as possible,” read the post.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshall.
