Fire rips through CdA strip mall

North Idaho firefighters battled a blaze at a strip mall in Coeur d’Alene early Saturday morning.
The fire, which apparently was caused by heat tape in the drain pipes, caused major damage to several businesses on the west side of the mall, according to the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. Two businesses on the east side of the mall sustained smoke and water damage.
Common heat tape contains electrical wiring to prevent pipes from freezing. The tape can deteriorate over time and may pose a fire hazard.
The fire spread from an attic in the single-story mall to surrounding businesses at Fourth Street and Best Avenue.
“The bitter cold temperatures made the operation a bit trickier, but we train to be prepared for operations in the cold,” said Chief Kenny Gabriel. He said the fire crews “did a fantastic job saving as much as they did.”
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. The department said it had not yet determined the dollar amount of the damage to the mall. The fire destroyed a convenience store, a used clothing store and a check-cashing store.