Thursday fire damages Avenue F home

FORT MADISON - Fort Madison Fire & Rescue responded Thursday afternoon to a structure fire at 1817 Avenue F after dispatch received a 911 call reporting smoke coming from the roof of the residence. The call was received at 4:13 p.m.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the home and active fire in the kitchen area with extension into the attic space. Conditions at the time were snowy and extremely slick road conditions. An All-Call was requested by 9400.
Crews made an interior attack to knock down the kitchen fire while additional firefighters worked from the exterior to address flames within the attic and roofline. As conditions deteriorated and portions of the roof began to sag, crews were withdrawn from the interior for safety and suppression continued from the exterior. The fire was brought under control at approximately 5:15 p.m.
Utility crews from Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy responded to secure electrical and natural gas service.
One dog was safely removed from the residence prior to the fire department’s arrival by a passerby who noticed smoke coming from the home. No injuries were reported.
The homeowner returned while crews were on scene and provided information to FMFD Fire investigators. The cause of the fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen, in the area of a toaster located on the stovetop. The residence did not have active homeowner’s insurance.
Fire crews remained on scene into the evening performing overhaul and checking for hot spots. All units were cleared from the scene by 6:30 p.m.
Units responding included: 9400, 9411, 9415, 9442, 9454, and 9473, along with the Fort Madison Police Department, Lee County EMS, and LeeComm Dispatch.
Fort Madison Fire & Rescue would like to thank responding agencies, utility partners, and the members of the public for their assistance.