No one was injured when fire swept through the attic of a six-unit apartment building at 109 East 4th Street in Muscatine the night of July 18.
Fire crews were called to the scene about 8:25 p.m., with reports of smoke through the roof of the building and residents still inside.
When firefighters arrived, everyone was out safely, including residents’ pets. Fire was found in the attic, which was filled with dark smoke and visible flames.
Due to the weather conditions (earlier the heat index for Muscatine was reported to be 108) additional resources were called immediately, the City of Muscatine said in a news release.
Crews were able to knock down the fire after a few minutes but due to the extreme heat and smoke buildup the building was ventilated. The fire damage was contained to the attic, but there was water damage throughout the second floor and smoke smell throughout.
Fire officials rotated crews battling the fire to ensure that responders remained hydrated in the extreme heat conditions. The Salvation Army also provided water for the first responders.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary damage estimates at $10,000. The Salvation Army is helping families displaced in the blaze.
