Tuesday October 15, 2024

The Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call on Monday night, October 14, 2024, at 9:24 PM from a homeowner reporting their chimney was on fire. The Dubuque Fire Department’s west-side Engine 502 arrived on the scene at 9:28 PM, reporting fire on the roof at the chimney. The initial responding vehicles with Engine 502 included Ladder 512, Medic 554, Command 528, Engine 505, Engine 501, and Ladder 511. The response brought 15 firefighters in total on the initial alarm.

Engine 502 established command, conducted a size-up, and declared a transitional fire attack. A hose line was stretched to the exterior, and water was applied to the chimney and roof. Crews also reported little to no smoke conditions inside the residence. The homeowners reported all occupants were clear of the residence. Crews worked to locate fire in the vaulted ceiling attic space. A second hose line was stretched inside the residence to stop any fire from spreading. A crew accessed the roof using ladders and operated a chainsaw to gain access to the fire. A nearby hydrant was connected to provide a water supply. Crews applied water while opening up the roof and declared the fire knocked down within 17 minutes of arrival. Crews remained on scene for another 2 hours, pulling ceiling and removing charred debris. Utilities to the residence were shut off. The residents were being assisted by friends and a neighbor for the evening. The cause is being investigated by the Dubuque Fire Prevention Office. Damage estimates were approximately $26,000.

The Dubuque Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Dubuque Police Department and Black Hills Energy. There were no injuries to responders reported.