MARION — A fire that broke out at the VA Hospital in Marion last month caused an estimated $20 million in damage, according to the Marion Fire Department.
On Feb. 21, Crews were dispatched to 1700 East 38th Street at approximately 6:33 a.m. after reports of a fire at Building 53. First arriving personnel found the building fully engulfed, with flames and smoke visible from all windows and doors.
The fire affected engineering buildings 51, 52, and 53. By the afternoon, crews successfully contained the blaze and worked to prevent it from spreading to critical infrastructure on the medical campus.
No injuries or fatalities were reported. VA officials confirmed that patient healthcare operations were not impacted by the fire.
Due to fire suppression efforts, there was a temporary loss of water supply to the main campus. Bottled water and handwashing stations were deployed across all remaining Marion campus areas as a precautionary measure.
Cause ruled undetermined
Marion Fire Department investigators and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a joint investigation. Because the fire occurred on federal property, the ATF was notified and dispatched a fire investigator to the scene.
Investigators determined the origin of the fire was Building 53, but due to heavy structural damage making the building unsafe to fully examine, the cause has been ruled undetermined.
