Response to Fire at Penn Place Apartments

At 12:09 PM on Wednesday afternoon (02/08/23), the Dubuque County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a fire in an apartment building in the Penn Place Apartments on Pennsylvania Ave. 

The Communications Center immediately dispatched Dubuque Fire for a full response to a structure fire. This response included Engine 502, Engine 503, Engine 505, Ladder 512, Ladder 513, Medic 552, and Command 528. Engine 502 was on the scene within 5 minutes of the initial 911 call. They reported smoke detectors had been activated and visible smoke inside the apartment building. It was immediately determined that all occupants had self-evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival. 

Engine 502 made entry and the fire was extinguished using a water-pressured extinguisher. It was determined that the fire had been contained to the stove and adjacent cabinetry. The apartment sustained moderate smoke damage and was deemed uninhabitable by the Fire Department Assistant Chief on the scene. The Red Cross responded to the scene to assist 3 occupants with alternative living arrangements. 

The apartment occupants reported the cause of the fire to be grease in a frypan on the stovetop that was momentarily left unattended. 

There were no reported injuries to firefighters or citizens. 

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Media Contact:  
Assistant Chief on Duty, 563.589.4172