December 8, 2024, at 7:53 p.m

On Saturday, December 2024, at 7:53 p.m., the Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a tenant on the first floor of a side-by-side duplex at 2297 Francis Street The tenant reported a fire inside the front porch.

The Dubuque Fire Department promptly dispatched their response team to the scene. The initial responding vehicles included Command 528, Engine 501, Medic 551, Engine 503, Ladder 511, and Engine 506. A total of 14 firefighters responded to the incident. Additionally, an ambulance was requested to attend to an unrelated medical emergency at the scene.

Command 528 arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of dispatch and established command. A size-up was conducted, confirming that the fire was visible through the front windows. The crews were directed to stretch hose to the front door and prepare for a fire attack. Upon entering the structure, they confirmed a fire in the front living room and reported moderate smoke conditions throughout the residence. Thankfully, the occupants had already exited and were standing outside.

The fire attack crew swiftly extinguished the fire within 3 minutes of their arrival. They diligently worked to clear the residence of smoke and confirmed that there was no further fire extension. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Assistant Fire Marshal.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the residents or firefighters. The Dubuque Fire Department was assisted on-scene by the Dubuque Police Department.

The residence was determined to be habitable and free from any harmful toxins in the air. All occupants, residing on both sides of the duplex, were able to safely return to their units. The estimated damage to the property amounted to less than $2000.