Clean-up in a Cass County office swamped by its fire sprinkler system took an unexpected turn Wednesday.
Insulation in the attic of the Cass County Annex spilled water onto Sheetrock above the fourth floor ceiling when a repair crew tried to replace it, said Cass County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson.
One day earlier, water soaked the insulation when a broken sprinkler flooded Cass County Social Services, housed in the building's third and fourth floors.
The building, at 1010 2nd Ave. S., also serves as home to the county's veteran services office and juvenile detention.
Early insurance estimates place damages in the building at about $20,000.
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The county will recoup all but a $500 deductible from its provider, the North Dakota Department of Insurance's State Fire and Tornado Fund.
The water damaged ceiling tiles, carpet, two computers and a fax machine used by Cass County Social Services. However, the county had scheduled to replace one of the computers this month.
Tuesday, a fire sprinkler set off fire alarms and forced the evacuation of employees and juveniles serving detention.
Previously, repairs had been expected to take less than a day. The latest water damage could delay the work up to 10 days, Johnson said.
Tuesday, Fargo firefighters arrived at the building within four minutes of alarms sounding. Firefighters placed large tarps over file cabinets and computer equipment, preventing more water damage.
The damage forced Social Services into moving three employees and some records until repairs are complete.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Steven P. Wagner at (701) 241-5542
