DATE & TIME:  May 7, 2024 4:59am
INCIDENT TYPE:  Structure Fire
ADDRESS/LOCATION:  640 Florence

The Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call on Tuesday, May 7th, at 4:59 am from a homeowner reporting a fire inside the house after a lightning strike. The Dubuque Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 5:00 am.  Initial responding vehicles included Command 528, Engine 505, Engine 501, Engine 506, Ladder 511, Ladder 512, and Medic 554. The response brought 14 firefighters in total to the scene.

The first unit, Engine 505, arrived on scene within 4 minutes of dispatch, established command, conducted a size up with visible fire showing from the top of the structure and directed a master stream device to apply water directly to the fire. The shift commander arrived on scene immediately after Engine 505, assumed command, and confirmed all occupants had exited the structure safely. Supporting fire crews entered the structure with a hoseline and assisted with identifying any hot spots and conducted salvage and overhaul operations. Crews worked to clear the structure of smoke and confirmed no further extension within the home.  The fire was determined to be accidental in nature due to a lightning strike to the top of the house. The building was determined to be habitable and all 5 occupants (3 children and 2 adults) were able to return to the home. 

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

Media Contacts:  
Fire Chief Amy Scheller, 563-543-6521
Assistant Chief on Duty, 563-589-4172

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.