Lang
7/30/24
The North Liberty Fire Department has released more details about a late Monday night fire that significantly damaged a commercial building near Interstate 380.
According to an NLFD news release, firefighters from North Liberty, Coralville and Solon were dispatched at 11:00 Monday night for a report of a building explosion with multiple injuries at 390 Herky St., a commercial building with multiple users.
As North Liberty fire arrived, firefighters found an activated sprinkler system, smoke, and multiple overhead doors hanging off the building. One victim had burns requiring medical attention. Responders also found that the south wall of the building was bowed out and the roof had lifted from the building, indicating obvious structural damage.
Firefighters entered the building to locate an active fire. The activated sprinkler system likely subdued the fire. The fire department ventilated the structure and supported the sprinkler system while all utilities were immediately cut.
The burn victim was treated by the Johnson County Ambulance Service and transported to the University of Iowa Health Care Campus Medical Center. The JCAS also treated one firefighter, who was transported to the campus medical center before being discharged.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing with the help of the state fire marshal.