Raleigh Convention Center clean up continues week after HVAC fire that led to water damage

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 is getting a glimpse at the work underway to repair parts of the Raleigh Convention Center damaged by a fire last week.

The fire, which started in an HVAC unit on the roof of the building, sent smoke and flames into the air.

Nearly a week later, the fire is now impacting a holiday favorite activity in downtown Raleigh.

The Rink at the Red Hat Amphitheater will close early for the season. Eyewitness News has learned the space will be used for a mobile kitchen to serve the convention center during its recovery.

Back inside the convention center, staff shared pictures giving a glimpse at some of the work underway right now.

Most of the damage from the fire was contained to the roof, but sprinklers saturated areas inside the building as well.

Staff say everything has finally dried up, and crews inside have begun tearing up carpets and cutting out pieces of drywall in some of the administrative offices.

As previously reported, all December events at the convention center have been canceled.

ABC11 asked convention center staff about the status of January events at the facility.

Kerry Painter, Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex Executive Director, said in a statement that they are maintaining full speed ahead to work towards keeping January events.

"We are still aiming to try and keep all or part of January events," she said in a statement. "Many city inspectors came in yesterday to spend time with us and help us understand all the steps required to open. This was not an inspection visit but a guideline of the needed steps for occupancy."

ABC11 reached out to GalaxyCon, the organizers of the anime convention Animate, to see if their event will still take place at the convention center in January.

The organization has not responded to the request for comment.