Edited Release
06/02/22
A Cedar Rapids Dairy Queen caught fire during the noon hour Wednesday, causing extensive damage.
A release from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department indicates that crews responded to the fire at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Bowling St SW at 12:37 pm. Upon arrival, firefighters entered the rear door and crews were able to reach the upper loft of the building but were quickly forced to abandon that plan due to high heat and smoke preventing them from operating safely. At nearly the same time, fire broke through the roof and began burning away support systems for the air handling unit. Visual reports indicated flames as high as 20 feet in the air.
Firefighters then used a ladder unit and several hose lines to apply water on multiple fronts. After nearly an hour of active firefighting, the all-clear was given at 1:34 pm.
The building sustained extreme damage but no injuries to civilians, employees or firefighters were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.