AC unit caused fire that destroyed Avista Stadium concession building

The “failure” of an air conditioning unit caused the fire that destroyed Avista Stadium’s main concession building Friday, according to the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

The AC unit was used to cool the area above the walk-in cooler, where the fire started before spreading into the attic, fire department spokesman Patrick Erickson said. The fire was accidental, and no one was in the building when it broke out, he said.

The fire was first reported by passersby.

The building did not have fire protection or smoke detection systems, but Erickson said the concession stand did not require them and the building met fire codes.

The fire caused an estimated $2 million to $2.5 million in damages, according to a news release.

The Spokane Indians, who play their home games at the stadium, pla