Lang
5/13/22
One person was injured after jumping from a third-story balcony during a fire that heavily damaged a North Liberty apartment complex.
Firefighters were called to 460 South Kansas Avenue at 11:46 Friday morning. The Johnson County Joint Emergency Communication Center web site indicates the fire was first reported in apartment 11.
A North Liberty police officer was the first emergency responder to arrive at the scene. They encountered a working structure fire, as well as one person who was injured when they jumped from a third-story apartment. The person was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital.
As North Liberty fire units arrived, firefighters found the rear of the building on fire with extension into the attic and the third floor. Once the fire moved into the attic, aerial ladders were set up and operated master stream lines. As the fire was knocked down, crews entered the building to extinguish hot spots. The fire did not extend to neighboring buildings.
Three dogs that were trapped inside the building were saved.
Firefighters from Solon, Coralville, Iowa City, Tiffin, Swisher and West Branch assisted in the effort.
Crews were on the scene for just over seven hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. A loss estimate was not immediately available, although indications are the entire building is a total loss.
An estimated 24 to 36 people were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross.