Firefighters respond to basement fire in Charles City home

To The Press

The Charles City Fire Department responded to a 911 report of a house on fire on 5th Avenue in Charles City Wednesday morning.

Upon arrival at about 11:30 a.m., smoke was visible coming from the rear of the residence at 903 5th Avenue, according to a report by Fire Chief Eric Whipple.

“Upon a quick interview with the occupant and reporting party of the fire, it was noted that the fire was originating from the basement,” Whipple said. “Firefighters made entry with an interior attack of the fire, and found very heavy smoke conditions in the basement.”

The first entry team successfully knocked down the majority of the flames that were confined to a room in the basement, the report said.

“Further inspection with thermal imaging and some additional removal of material from the ceiling and walls of the room involved in the fire ensured that the fire was completely extinguished with no further fire spread,” Whipple said.

The fire was deemed under control within 30 minutes of arrival of the Charles City Fire Department.

About 16 firefighters responded, and the Charles City department initially responded with three engines.

The occupant at the time of the fire safely escaped, and no other injuries were reported.

According to Floyd County Assessor online records, the home is owned by Rhonda Perry, the report said.

The fire remains under investigation, but Fire Department investigators determined the fire did originate in a basement room, Whipple said.

“There was fire and water damage to the room and contents that it was contained to,” he said. “There is major smoke damage throughout the home.”

The Charles City Fire Department was assisted by the 911 Communications Center, and at the scene of the fire by the Charles City Police Department, AMR Ambulance, Floyd County Emergency Management, Colwell Fire Department, Floyd Fire Department and MidAmerican Energy.