August 4th, 2024 DIP NEWS

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:53 PM, the Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident reporting a fire on his rear porch with visible flames.

A nearby Dubuque Police Officer arrived to find the porch fully engulfed in flames and used his fire extinguisher to control the fire.

The Dubuque Fire Department was dispatched at 10:54 PM, with Engine 503, Command 528, Engine 501, Ladder 511, Medic 551, Engine 506, and Ladder 512 responding, bringing a total of 16 firefighters. Engine 503 arrived within 3 minutes, reported the fire, established command, and requested a fire hydrant. A hose was stretched to the backyard, and the fire was knocked down after 9 minutes. Later crews connected the hydrant and entered the residence, finding light smoke but no fire extension on all floors. The fire had extended into the porch roof, requiring crews to remove the ceiling from the porch and interior kitchen area during overhaul. They cleared the building of smoke and confirmed no further extension.The fire was determined to be accidental, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials, as assessed by the Dubuque Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshal.

The residents made alternate lodging plans and assessed damages the next morning. They were also assisted in locating their two cats. No injuries to firefighters or occupants were reported. Crews remained on scene for two hours for overhaul, cleaning gear, and investigation.

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