DATE & TIME:  Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 @ 3:33pm
INCIDENT TYPE:  Residential Structure Fire
ADDRESS/LOCATION: 1667 Lori Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

The Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 3:32 PM from a neighbor reporting smoke coming from his neighbor's garage. The Dubuque Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 3:33 PM. Initial responding vehicles included Medic 552, Command 528, Ladder 512, Engine 501, Engine 506, Ladder 511, Engine 502 and Engine 503. The response brought 15 firefighters in total on the initial alarm.

The first unit, Medic 552, arrived on scene within 5 minutes of dispatch and conducted a size up reporting smoke coming from the garage with all occupants out - one adult, two children and their dog. Command 528 arrived and established Lori Street Command. L512 arrived and reported heavy fire inside the garage. Both crews worked to get a hose line in place and water on the fire. The fire was declared knocked down (extinguished) in the garage after ten minutes of arrival. Additional firefighter crews entered the house and attic to check if the fire had extended inside. Utilities were secured and ventilation started as the house was charged with smoke.

The fire was determined to have been started by a juvenile occupant playing with a lighter in the garage. Further details remain under investigation. The building was determined to be habitable though utilities needed to be restored. The homeowner's insurance agent arrived to assist with alternate housing for the night. Losses were estimated at $34,000. Crews remained on scene for an hour and half overhauling and removing smoke. 

The Dubuque Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Dubuque Police Department. There were no injuries to responders or residents reported.

Media Contacts:  
Division Chief Dave Grass, 563.589.4172, Dgrass@cityofdubuque.org
Fire Marshal Kevin Esser, 563.589.4161, Kesser@cityofdubuque.org

Please do not reply to this message. For incident-specific information, please contact the staff identified in the message above.  For general fire and emergency medical services information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/fire or contact the Dubuque Fire Department at 563.589.4160 or fire@cityofdubuque.org.  

In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. For non-emergency dispatch, call 563.589.4415.