On Monday, December 30, 2024, at 7:46 PM, the Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident reporting a fire in his basement after his smoke detectors sounded. The Dubuque Fire Department promptly dispatched a team of firefighters to the scene at 7:47 PM.

The initial responding vehicles included Ladder 512, Medic 554, Command 528, Engine 501, Ladder 511, Engine 505, and Engine 502. A total of 16 firefighters arrived at the scene within four minutes of the alarm.

Upon arrival, Ladder 512 from Fire Station 4 established command and conducted a size-up. They observed a visible fire in the basement through a window, with smoke exiting at the roofline and the front door. A hose line and water can were quickly deployed to the basement.

The resident informed the firefighters that all occupants had safely evacuated the house, uninjured, except for two cats that remained inside. Within four minutes of the firefighters’ arrival, the fire was extinguished, with no further spread beyond the clothes dryer. However, fans were strategically used to clear the smoke and toxins from the area.

During an investigation, the Dubuque Fire Department determined that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning dryer. The residence was deemed habitable, and all occupants were able to return home safely. The estimated damages were less than $1000.

The Dubuque Police Department provided assistance on the scene, and fortunately, no responder injuries were reported.