Tuesday at approximately 9:38 a.m. the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received an automatic alarm for a sprinkler system that was set off at the Harrison Lofts apartments, 1716 Bandag Drive, according to a media release from the fire department. Crews said they found a fire in the kitchen area of a third-floor apartment that they were able to quickly put out. Three dogs were rescued and residents were evacuated as a precaution during the investigation.
Crews say the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and direct fire damage is estimated to be about $5,000 and water damage is estimated to be an additional $20,000.
While crews were on their way to the scene, MUSCOM advised that someone on scene had called to report smoke in the hallway of the third floor, so the response was upgraded to a structure fire response at that time.
Crews said upon arrival the source of the fire was found to be in a third-floor apartment, but maintenance staff had put the fire out with fire extinguishers.
Crews then said they began to evacuate the third-floor, checking to make sure the fire was all the way out, and then beginning to mitigate water from the sprinklers that went off.
The fire was contained to the area above the stove and the cabinets above the stove, crews said. Smoke damage was limited to the kitchen area with some light smoke in the rest of the apartment. The sprinklers were successful in keeping the fire from spreading.
The Muscatine Police Department and the Animal Control Officer responded to help with evacuation and ensure the safety of the pets from the apartment. The Muscatine Fire Department had 15 staff members who responded to the scene.
The Muscatine County Emergency Manger responded as well to assist with relocation efforts along with the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army of Muscatine County, Iowa.
