At 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 19 the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the sauna at the Ramkota Hotel, 800 S 3rd Street.

The first arriving officer gave an initial report of light smoke in the pool area, a fire in the sauna and established command. The fire was relatively small and was easily extinguished. Two engines responded with eight personnel. After it was confirmed the fire was extinguished, crews set up fans to ventilate the sauna and pool area. The pool area was temporarily closed until the area was completely ventilated.

The fire was confined to the interior of the sauna with damage to the bench, floor and heating unit. The damage is estimated at $1000.00.

The cause of this fire was accidental due to unattended combustibles placed on top of the heater by the person that had been using the sauna.

The fire department was assisted at the incident by the Bismarck Police Department.