A fire in Brookside Park early Saturday morning has caused approximately $50,000 in damage to the park bathrooms. The investigation into the fire’s origin has been closed.

At 2:45 a.m. Saturday morning, Ames Police noticed flames at the Brookside Park bathrooms. According to a press release from the City of Ames, “fire crews arrived on scene and quickly knocked down the fire.”

Officials believe the fire began in a garbage can near the bathrooms and spread to the building’s wooden awning and eventually its roof, which collapsed in several areas. The initial cause of the fire remains unknown.

Both the men’s and women’s restrooms are closed, but portable toilets are available to the public on the south east end of the park. City of Ames officials say, “Ames Parks and Recreation staff is developing a plan to return restroom facilities to the park.”

The City of Ames also reminds park goers to douse hot coals in the park’s grills before leaving or to dispose of coals from portable grills in the bins located near the Maple and Hickory Shelters. No smoking is allowed in any of the Ames parks.

More information to follow.

Update as of May 8, 2018 at 11:03 a.m.:

The Ames Fire Department has determined the fire was not intentional. They have closed the investigation after determining the fire most likely originated from improperly disposed of trash.