Popular Fairhaven Athletic Club Destroyed In Overnight Blaze

FAIRHAVEN (CBS) -- Leadres at an athletic club in Fairhaven are hoping to rebuild after the popular and iconic neighborhood spot for youth sports was destroyed in a fire.

The Thomas Livesey Memorial Club on Hopkins Street is a total loss after flames broke out in the building around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday.

According to Wayne Oliveria of the Fairhaven Fire Department, the fire started in the attic area and spread quickly through the one and a half story building. It was fully engulfed by the time crews responded.

Oliveria added that the club often sponsored kids camps and sports teams.

Fortunately no one was in the club at the time. The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be electrical.

Club president John Roderiques talked about how important the club is to the community.

"The primary function is raising money for youth sports, and youth in general. We give out scholarships to kids. It's not just Fairhaven, it's all the surrounding communities. We help out, we do fundraisers," he said.

The club was established in 1949. About 80 members use the facility for things like the weight room, while it also hosts functions and birthday parties.

Roderiques said club leaders are hoping they can rebuild after the fire.

"We're hoping. Now we'll deal with the insurance company and hopefully everything's good and we'll hope to rebuild and keep the club going for another 70 years or more," he said.