DATE & TIME:  January 3rd @ 8:55pm
INCIDENT TYPE: Residential Structure Fire
ADDRESS/LOCATION: 4657 Cardinal Drive - Dubuque

The Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 8:55 PM from a resident reporting a dryer fire inside their manufactured home. Dispatchers reported smoke detectors sounding in the background. The Dubuque Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 8:56 PM. Initial responding vehicles included Engine 503, Engine 506, Engine 501, Command 528, Medic 551, and Ladder 511. The response brought 14 firefighters in total on the initial alarm and 4 more were requested later in Engine 512 and Medic 552. 

The first unit, Engine 503, arrived on scene within 4 minutes of dispatch reporting heavy smoke coming from the front door and fire on the north side. Occupants were observed at the front door and reentered the residence. The fire crew entered the smoke and assisted the occupants outside. A fire hose was charged with water and the flames were knocked down outside before making entry to finish extinguishment. The paramedic crew began treating the occupants and swiftly removed them from the below zero elements. One occupant suffered severe smoke inhalation and was transported to the emergency department. Crews also reported heavy smoke conditions inside the home. A fan was used to eject the smoke. Crews worked to clear the home of smoke and confirmed no further fire extension beyond the dryer and laundry area. The fire was determined to be accidental due to a malfunction of the dryer. The home was determined to be uninhabitable. The property manager arrived and assisted in securing the utilities and residence. Losses were estimated at $11,000.

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

Division Chief Dave Grass

Media Contacts:  
Division Chief - Shift 1, Dave Grass, 563.589.4172 Dgrass@cityofdubuque.org
Deputy Chief, 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.