Residents move back following apartment fire

Residents in two first-floor apartments at 401 S. Pacific St. have moved back into the structure following the Aug. 10 arson fire which damaged the second and third floors. Robb McClary, city building inspector, gave approval Saturday to turn gas and electrical service back on. The tenants share a common water heater; those residing at 403 S. Pacific had been without hot water for three days. McClary said the fire damage will require a building permit, and as the place is remodeled, interconnected smoke detectors be added in all of the bedrooms and hallways on every floor. "I looked at the fire damage and gave an assessment to the owner, told him what he would need to do and what kind of permits he'll need to file," McClary said. Most of the damage was from smoke, but there was some fire damage that can be repaired by sistering the joints, which means the burned joints will be beefed up by attaching timber of the same size to it.