SALEM — A small fire at Bally Total Fitness yesterday could work out to be arson.
Firefighters from Engine 4 out of the North Essex station responded to a report of a fire at 3:42 p.m. at the Traders Way gym.
The fire, which was knocked down before firefighters arrived, started in the men's room sauna.
A police report said someone stacked newspapers on the side of the sauna's heating unit and caught fire.
Police learned the company had layoffs today, including at the Salem location, and a sacked employee may be involved, the report said.
Fire Department investigator Tim Flynn is investigating the fire. Police detectives were also notified.
— Bruno Matarazzo Jr.







