ROYAL CITY - A 9 p.m. fire on Monday, Jan. 13, caused heavy damage to Karen's Beauty Salon. Royal Slope firefighters were able to save equipment belonging to Grant County Mental Health (GCMH) of which also occupied space in the building.

Grant County Fire Districts Nos. 10 and 11 responded to a commercial fire in the 13000 block of Camelia St. The first unit on scene found heavy fire coming from the front of Karen's Beauty Salon with heavy black smoke coming out of the eves around the whole building.

According to Captain Christian Davis, crews quickly extended hose lines to battle the blaze and were able to contain it to just one of the two businesses within the structure.

Davis reported that more than 20 firefighters, two engines, two tenders, one ambulance, two rescue units, one command unit and one support unit from Fire Districts Nos. 10 and 11 battled the fire.

Royal Slope crews stayed on scene for several hours to assist with extinguishment and overhaul of the business. A private fire investigator assisted the agency in determining a possible cause and location of the fire. The cause is believed to be a failure within the electrical system, Davis said.

The investigator estimated damage at about $170,000. Firefighters were able to save expensive computer equipment owned by GCMH of which has now has moved its operation to the elementary school.