MUSCATINE, IOWA – Two Muscatine residents escaped injury when their home caught fire Tuesday (March 7) afternoon.
The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 1:31 pm. Tuesday for a fire at the back of a house near the gas meter at 2920 Park Avenue West, Muscatine. Fire crews found the residents out of the house upon arrival at the scene.
Due to the strong winds this afternoon, the fire was pushed into the structure and had entered into a back room. Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and stopped the fire from spreading further. However, the fire did enter the attic of the home from the overhang of the roof with fire crews entering and overhauling the attic as well.
The main body of fire was under control within five minutes but searching and extinguishing hidden fire continued for almost two more hours.
One occupant was medically evaluated as a precaution, but was released at the scene. There were no injuries to any responders.
The on-scene investigation is complete. A final cause has yet to be determined but it does appear to be an accidental fire. The initial fire loss estimate is $100,000.
The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County EMA responded with the initial call. The Muscatine Fire Department had14 firefighters on scene. The American Red Cross and 1-800-BOARD UP assisted the fire victims at the scene.
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 over 5,900 calls in 2022. 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. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.