Fire destroys room at Rivers Inn

FORT MADISON – A Wednesday fire at about noon destroyed a boarding room at Rivers Inn on Fort Madison's west side.
According to a report from the Fort Madison Fire Department, at 11:57 a.m on Wednesday the Fort Madison Fire & Rescue Department was dispatched to the Rivers Inn, at 4501 Avenue O, for a report of a fire in one of the rooms.
Fire Chief Joey Herren responded from the fire station, arriving on scene at noon and reported light smoke coming from a room, with an occupant standing in the doorway. Herren established Fort Madison command and evacuated the occupant, who was uninjured.

Engines 9411 and 9415, staffed with six personnel, arrived at 12:01 p.m.. Crews quickly knocked down the fire by conducting an interior attack, containing it to the room of origin. Off-duty firefighters were called in to assist at the scene.
During the investigation, the occupant said the fire started from a discarded cigarette. The occupant attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful, and the fire flashed over, causing extensive damage to the entire room.
FMFD remained on scene for approximately one hour, concluding operations at 1:05 p.m.
The Fort Madison Police Department and Lee County Ambulance assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported. The building owner has insurance, but the occupant did not. The contents of the room were a total loss.