One Injured in Iowa House Fire, Investigation Underway
I’ve seen enough fire reports over the years to know — most house fires don’t start with a big explosion or a dramatic blaze. They start quietly. A spark near the wiring, a heater left on, or a flicker from the kitchen that grows before anyone even notices. That’s what likely happened early Wednesday morning in Cedar Rapids, when a mobile home on 16th Avenue SW caught fire around 2:45 a.m.
By the time firefighters arrived, flames had already wrapped around three sides of the house. Three men were inside. Thankfully, all of them managed to get out — but one had to be rushed to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment. The damage, according to officials, was heavy: thick smoke, scorched walls, and a home that won’t be livable anytime soon.
The cause is still under investigation, but if you’ve lived in Iowa for a while, you know how common these fires can be, especially as nights get colder. Older mobile homes, space heaters, and faulty electrical setups often combine into the perfect storm…