Lang
12/10/20
A Shelter House facility known as a “Fairweather Lodge” was seriously damaged in a fire Thursday afternoon.
According to a news release from the Iowa City Fire Department, crews were called to 135 Amhurst Street at 1:35pm for a house fire. A Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputy in the area confirmed all occupants were out of the house prior to the fire department’s arrival. The first fire unit arrived in approximately six minutes and reported flames showing from the front of the house. Fire crews extinguished the exterior fire and then entered the house. Once inside, crews discovered the fire had spread to the attic. The blaze was brought under control within 40 minutes.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The fire caused damage to both levels of the house and the attic. Damage to the home is estimated to be $90,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the ICFD Fire Marshal.
Shelter House tweeted after the fire that the house was a “Fairweather Lodge”, a facility which houses individuals with severe mental illness who are at increased risk of homelessness. Six residents have been displaced.
Shelter House is asking for donations of toiletries, blankets, pillows, towels, mens’ undergarments, coats and jackets in S to XXL, and mens’ shoes in size 10. Donations can be dropped off at the emergency shelter at 429 Southgate Avenue.