Commercial Fire at 3851 River Ridge Drive NE (Update #1)

An investigation by the Cedar Rapids Fire Department has determined the fire at 3851 River Ridge Drive NE that was reported on April 7, 2021 at 6:07 p.m. was unintentional.  Fire investigators determined the fire originated above the drop-down ceiling on the second floor of the building.  The building’s utilities were located in this space, including electrical wiring, fiber optics, and components of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system.  There is nothing to indicate that the fire was incendiary.

No one was injured in the fire.  The building has sustained significant damage throughout.

Previous Media Release (Sent April 7, 2021, 8:15 p.m.):

Cedar Rapids firefighters were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at 3851 River Ridge Drive NE on Wednesday, April 7 at 6:07 p.m.  Firefighters arrived on scene to find approximately half of the second floor of the two-story commercial structure engulfed in flames.  The fire response was upgraded to a two-alarm fire.  Additional fire units were requested from the Hiawatha Fire Department as well.

The fire was extensive on the second floor and into the ceiling, so firefighters focused on extinguishment of the fire from the exterior, including using several master streams flowing from elevated positions on aerial ladder trucks.

There were two employees inside the structure at the time of the fire.  They observed extensive smoke on the second floor of the building and were able to safely escape.

By 7:15 p.m. portions of the roof had started to sag. Firefighters will continue an exterior operation until the fire can be suppressed.  It is anticipated that fire crews will be on scene well into the night as they continue with fire suppression efforts and eventually overhaul operations.

The public is asked to avoid the area around Glass Road and Edgewood Road NE so fire crews can safely perform their duties. 

The building is owned by TBD Investments, LLC and is being leased by UnityPoint Health. 

Firefighters are being assisted by Cedar Rapids Police officers, Area Ambulance Service, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and Alliant Energy. 

No injuries have been reported.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation.