Hunter
05/28/20
A downed tree limb on a power line reportedly resulted in a house fire on the northwest side of Cedar Rapids Wednesday evening.
A release from the CRFD indicates they were notified of a fire in the walls of the structure, called in by the occupant of the home at 5250 Harbet Avenue Northwest at approximately 6:40pm.
Arriving firefighters found the 1 story residential structure with smoke coming from the attic and roof area. Once it was determined no occupants were still inside, fire was found in the walls and flooring in the basement as a result of an electrical issue..
It was determined that a large tree limb fell on the main power line to the structure in the back yard, causing the structure to become electrified and the fire in the walls.
Alliant Energy was called to disconnect the power line so that firefighters could fully extinguish the blaze.
One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital for evaulation and was cleared to return to work. No other injuries were reported.
The home suffered minor fire and smoke damage, and major damage to the home’s wiring. No damage estimates were given.
Leah Devoss, the occupant of the home, has been displaced as a result of the incident.
The fire remains under investigation.
