UPDATE 1-4-24
At approximately 12:36 am on January 3, 2024, the Grand Forks Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on 2400 Gateway Drive (Grand Forks Subaru). When fire crews arrived, they found fire and smoke coming from the back of the building.
Firefighters pulled an attack line and attacked the fire outside the structure before fully extinguishing the fire from inside. Fire damage was isolated to the area in the back of the building, but most of the dealership had smoke damage throughout the building. The fire is still under investigation.
The Grand Forks Fire Department responded with five engines, one truck, and one command vehicle with eighteen personnel. The fire department was assisted by the Grand Forks Police Department, Xcel Energy, and Altru.
UPDATE: Fire Investigation Complete
The fire investigation has been completed for 2400 Gateway Drive. A portable jump starter containing a lithium-ion battery caused the fire on January 3rd, 2023. The unit was charging overnight and malfunctioned, causing thermal runaway and igniting nearby combustibles. The fire will be classified as accidental.
Please visit the Grand Forks Fire Department website and Facebook site for important safety tips on storing, using, and charging batteries.
