Courtesy photo Much of Gibson Cancer Center suffered smoke and water damaged after a fire destroyed the center’s radiology wing on Saturday. Patients can call 910-671-5730 for information.

LUMBERTON — An investigator with Gibson Cancer Center’s insurance agency says lightning may have sparked the fire that destroyed the center’s radiology wing on Saturday. There are not any estimates yet on the extent of the damage, including to a $3 million piece of equipment in that wing.

“He gave me an opinion, he thinks it was most likely caused by lightning,” Lumberton Fire Chief Paul Ivey said, noting his department has not determined an official cause for the fire.

The wing was part of a $6 million expansion unveiled in September 2014.

Thirty firefighters responded at about 7 a.m. on Saturday and continued to extinguish hotspots throughout the day. On Monday, the wing was fenced off and its roof was caved in. Fans were set up throughout to dry the facility of water used to douse the flames as well as that from thunderstorms.at passed through the county on Saturday.

While the investigation continues, the center’s employees are working with Belfor Restoration to clear other parts of the center for use and with other medical providers to ensure patients continue to get their treatments. There is no time-frame for the center to reopen.

According to a statement on the hospital’s website, the entire facility suffered smoke and water damage and “will close indefinitely.” Until repairs are made, temporary locations have been set up for patients.

Gibson Cancer Center is the only outpatient cancer treatment center in Robeson County.

“Employees of Gibson Cancer Center and staff from various other Southeastern Health departments worked throughout the weekend to set up a temporary location for patients receiving chemotherapy and blood disorder treatments following a fire at the cancer center on Saturday,” said Lori Dove, vice president of post-acute care services for Southeastern Health.

According to Dove, a temporary location at 730 Oakridge Blvd. opened at 8 a.m. on Monday. Forty patients who needed radiation have been transferred to either Cape Fear Valley Health in Fayetteville or Scotland Health in Laurinburg for treatment.

Damage was limited elsewhere, including to the adjacent medical oncology wing, because of a firewall.

“The equipment located in medical oncology is currently being restored and some of which has been cleaned and back in service at the temporary location,” Dove said.

There is no estimate on the repairs or cost of repairs for the radiation wing. A $3 million piece of equipment was in the fire-damaged part of the facility. It was unclear on Monday if it was still operable.

When the Versa HD arrived in Lumberton, Gibson Cancer Center was one of only three medical facilities in the nation to offer radiation treatments using that piece of equipment.

Dove believes it will be months before the badly charred building’s wing can reopen.

“Our patients are our top priority and their uninterrupted cancer care is our main focus at this time,” she said.

A hot line has been set up for Gibson Cancer Center patients and their family members. The number is 910-671-5730.