MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) had a busy Sunday (April 13) responding to two porch fires, but both were quickly extinguished. One person was injured at the second of the two fires while one individual was arrested following an investigation of the first fire call on Sunday.
FRONT PORCH FIRE ON STEWART ROAD
The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received multiple 911 calls at approximately 2:46 p.m. Sunday (April 13) reporting a structure fire at 1911 Steward Road. Callers advised that the front porch of the structure was on fire.
Upon arrival, MFD crews found the front porch of the structure fully involved. The home, owned by Musco Lighting, was unoccupied and posted as unsafe to enter. Fire crews initiated a fast and effective knockdown using a single hand line deployed from the first-arriving engine. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to the porch, preventing further spread to the rest of the structure.
A total of eight firefighters from MFD responded to the scene, as additional MFD units were unavailable due to other active incidents. Support was also provided by the Fruitland Fire Department and the Muscatine Police Department.
During the course of the response, a person of interest was identified on scene. Muscatine Police detained and arrested the individual for multiple violations, including trespassing.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and is considered suspicious at this time.
GRILL, BACK PORCH FIRE ON FOSTER STREET
The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 5:05 p.m. Sunday (April 13) reporting that a grill and the back porch were on fire at a residence located at 1700 Foster Street.
MFD personnel arrived on scene to find active flames coming from the grill and extending to the back porch area. The fire was intensified by a propane tank attached to the grill, which was actively discharging gas through its pressure release valve, creating intense flames.
Firefighters from the first-arriving engine quickly deployed a hand line and knocked down the fire, containing it to the grill and porch area. MFD personnel were unable to shut off the propane tank but successfully relocated the tank to a safe area that allowed the gas to discharge without further hazard.
One civilian injury was reported at the scene with the civilian treated and then transported to the hospital by private vehicle.
A total of eight firefighters from MFD responded to the scene, as additional MFD units were unavailable due to other active incidents. Support was also provided by the Fruitland Fire Department and the Muscatine Police Department.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, it is not currently considered suspicious.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING A GRILL
Battalion Chief Gary Ronzheimer offers these safety tips when using a propane or charcoal grill to cook.
- For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead. (See video link below)
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
- If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.
- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.
Guy Colonna from NFPA® gives some helpful and easy tips for inspecting your gas grill for any gas leaks at home with this YouTube video. Learn more at www.nfpa.org/grilling.
About the Muscatine Fire Department: The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to 5,513 calls in 2024. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916.