Fort Madison Fire & Rescue responded to a late-night fire at the Farm and Home Store on Avenue O.
Crews were dispatched at 11:32 p.m. Friday after a call to LeeComm reported an alarm at the store. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke throughout the building.
Investigators say the fire started in an interior area where live poultry was being housed. Crews quickly extinguished the small fire using portable extinguishers and confirmed it had not spread beyond that immediate area.
The incident happened after normal business hours, and no customers or employees were injured.
However, smoke traveled throughout much of the store, forcing a temporary closure as cleanup and damage assessments continue. A restoration company is now working with store management on recovery efforts.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental and linked to an electrical setup used for heat lamps in the poultry area.
Some baby chicks in that area died due to smoke and heat exposure, while others were safely removed.
Fire officials say early alarm activation and a quick response helped contain the fire and prevent more serious damage. Fort Madison Fire and Rescue will continue working with store management and will verify all safety systems before the store reopens.