NORTHAMPTON — The cause of a fire Monday at East Heaven hot tub spa that caused an estimated $500,000 in damage has been determined to be accidental.
The fire started in a closet holding mechanical equipment connected to the hot tubs and there was no foul play, according to the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
The fire was spotted by Northampton firefighters traveling in an engine at 5:23 p.m. Monday as they were heading back from a fire alarm. The engine pulled over and the firefighters began to fight the fire, which was in the roof of the building at 33 West St. Firefighters largely extinguished the blaze within about 10 minutes, according to Northampton Fire Chief Jon Davine.
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Hatch said the early response prevented additional damage.
East Heaven has been operating in the city since 1981. West Street was closed until about 8 p.m. Monday and several firefighters from surrounding communities responded to the scene with mutual aid.
Northampton fire investigators, Northampton detectives and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal are jointly investigating the fire.
Bera Dunau can bereached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.