On July 2nd, 2024, the Burlington Fire Department was dispatched at 10:57 pm for a report of a house on fire at 1800 River Dr. Burlington, IA. Burlington firefighters arrived five minutes later to find smoke showing. As firefighters entered the structure they saw flames in the attic space.
The property is owned by Clifford and Letha Reif who were home at the time of the incident and were awaken by a loud noise, smelled smoke, and saw flames within the attic space. Mr. Reif attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The home had working smoke alarms.
Damages to the structure and contents are being assessed at this time and the home is insured.
Burlington Fire Department was assisted by Alliant Energy and Gas, West Burlington Fire Department, and Burlington Police Department.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported during this incident.
The cause of the fire was ruled an act of nature resulting from of a lightning strike to the structure.