City release
06/01/23
Iowa City firefighters were called to a motor vehicle accident Wednesday and ended up battling a fire at a nearby home.
According to a release from the city, the Iowa City Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of Fairchild and Linn streets at 1:14pm for a motor vehicle accident. Within minutes, the call was upgraded to a structure fire response at 230 Fairchild St.
Upon arrival at 1:24 p.m., crews encountered a two-story home with smoke coming from the eaves on all sides of the house. Firefighters also encountered a power pole with a transformer on the ground near the front yard of the home, as well as one person trapped in a back hoe due to power lines being draped over it.
The fire was located in the attic space of the home. A search of the residence was completed and no occupants were found. The fire was brought under control at 2:05 p.m. and loss of property was stopped by 2:41 p.m.
Sixteen firefighters and two chiefs responded to the fire. Three firefighters were evaluated and released at the scene due to excessive heat. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.
The home sustained extensive damage and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.