Fire destroys two Burns Paiute tribal buildings

BURNS, Ore. (AP) –Fire has destroyed two buildings at the headquarters of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

Emergency services coordinator Kenton Dick says it appears the fire began early Wednesday in a trailer housing computer servers and other technology. He says a “nice crisp breeze” spread it to a wooden shed and then a trailer housing addiction counseling offices.

Dick says tribal and municipal firefighters kept flames from the tribal health center. The buildings are among several at the headquarters complex.

He says the tribe has about 400 members and 11,000 acres.

He says no cause has been pinpointed, and the state fire marshal’s office will send an investigator.

The fire knocked out phone and Internet service. Dick says financial records are safe, but the tribe hasn’t determined whether other records were backed up.