MUSCATINE, Iowa – No injuries were reported in an apartment building fire Friday morning in downtown Muscatine. The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at 10:11 a.m., Friday, Apr. 13, indicating “lots of smoke and flames” at a 10 unit apartment building located at 306 West 3rd Street.
Fire crews found heavy smoke coming from a basement apartment upon arrival at the scene. Crews initiated a fire attack and ‘knocked down’ the main body of fire within a few minutes and had the fire under control by 10:22 a.m. The fire had already caused significant damage to Apartment 6 and that damage extended to the apartment above.
All residents have been accounted for.
Once the main body of fire was extinguished crews worked to find any hidden fire and clear the building of smoke. When the scene is determined safe, investigators will begin their work at determining the area of origin and cause of the fire. The loss is estimated at approximately $25,000.
The American Red Cross was called to assist those who were displaced and will be providing support. There is smoke damage throughout and structural fire damage in the apartment where the fire began. All residents will be displaced for a period of time.
There were no injuries to responders or bystanders. Two cats were rescued from a smoke filled apartment and provided emergency care on scene. At this time the cats are reported to have recovered from this event. The fire department also responded to three medical calls while working to contain and control this fire.
West 3rd Street remains blocked off from Pine to Linn Street and drivers are asked to avoid the area.
The Muscatine Fire Department was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County Emergency Management. Approximately 20 fire fighters responded to the fire, including some off duty personnel.