Press Release
October 20, 2020
At 9:08 PM Monday October 19, 2020 the Burlington Fire Department responded to the Burlington Apartments, at 206 N. 3rd Street in Burlington, for an automated sprinkler water flow alarm. Shortly after receiving the alarm, dispatchers with DESCOM started receiving 911 calls of a fire on the 4th floor of the 9 story apartment building. Firefighters arrived at 9:11 PM to find fire alarms activating and the building being evacuated. Upon arriving at the 4th floor, firefighters located 1 activated sprinkler head in the kitchen of apartment 406.
The investigation revealed that there had been a cooking fire in apartment 406 that was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system. The overall fire damage was minimal and firefighters focused on shutting down the sprinkler system and controlling water damage. The apartment building is owned by Historic Burlington, LLC and is insured. There were 5 apartments effected with 6 occupants displaced. The Red Cross was called to assist.
The cause of the fire is considered to be accidental.
Twelve Burlington firefighters responded to the call and were assisted by 10 firefighters from West Burlington responding on automatic aid. Officers with the Burlington Police Department as well as Alliant Energy also assisted at the scene. There were no injuries. Firefighters remained at the scene until 11:23 PM.
Mark Crooks
Fire Marshal