Fort Stewart officials closed Newman Fitness Center on Thursday after an early-morning fire damaged the facility. There were no injuries.
“The Fort Stewart Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at 2:37 a.m. Thursday,” Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said. “The responding units saw smoke coming from the building and upgraded the response. The Hinesville Fire Department also responded to the fire in support of the Fort Stewart Fire Department.”
Larson said the fire was extinguished at 3:37 a.m.
He said investigators suspect the gym’s sauna may have caused the fire. Damage to the facility is being assessed.
“The Fort Stewart and Hinesville fire departments responded quickly and executed a team save, preventing the complete loss of the Newman Fitness,” Larson said. “The facility is closed until further notice.”
In addition, Caro Fitness Center is undergoing renovations and is also closed, according to the 3rd Infantry Division’s Facebook page.
“The Fort Stewart staff is preparing a mitigation plan for soldier and family fitness while Newman undergoes repairs,” Mike Biering Deputy to the Garrison Commander said. “That plan is forthcoming. The Army Family Covenant is still alive, and we owe our soldiers and families a quality location to continue their fitness training.”
Saunas at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield’s other fitness centers have been taken offline for safety.
“The Fort Stewart Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at 2:37 a.m. Thursday,” Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said. “The responding units saw smoke coming from the building and upgraded the response. The Hinesville Fire Department also responded to the fire in support of the Fort Stewart Fire Department.”
Larson said the fire was extinguished at 3:37 a.m.
He said investigators suspect the gym’s sauna may have caused the fire. Damage to the facility is being assessed.
“The Fort Stewart and Hinesville fire departments responded quickly and executed a team save, preventing the complete loss of the Newman Fitness,” Larson said. “The facility is closed until further notice.”
In addition, Caro Fitness Center is undergoing renovations and is also closed, according to the 3rd Infantry Division’s Facebook page.
“The Fort Stewart staff is preparing a mitigation plan for soldier and family fitness while Newman undergoes repairs,” Mike Biering Deputy to the Garrison Commander said. “That plan is forthcoming. The Army Family Covenant is still alive, and we owe our soldiers and families a quality location to continue their fitness training.”
Saunas at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield’s other fitness centers have been taken offline for safety.