A house fire broke out Tuesday evening at 1808 Grube Street in Burlington, prompting a swift response from the Burlington Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at 5:38 p.m. and arrived on the scene within eight minutes to find smoke pouring from the roof. Upon entry, crews discovered flames and thick smoke concentrated in the basement.
The home, owned by William and Deborah Alter, was insured at the time of the incident. Fortunately, the couple and their dog escaped unharmed. However, officials noted that the residence lacked working smoke alarms.
Multiple agencies assisted in containing the fire, including Alliant Energy and Gas, Mediapolis Fire Department, West Burlington Fire Department, Burlington Police Department, and the American Red Cross. Fire crews remained at the scene until 7:30 p.m.
No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, authorities suspect electrical hazards in the basement may have played a role.
Fire Marshal Robert Berndt emphasized the importance of fire safety, particularly ensuring homes have functioning smoke detectors to prevent future tragedies.