The Storm Lake Fire Department responded late last night (Tuesday, June 2) to an apartment fire that displaced several residents on East Fifth Street.
Crews were dispatched around 10:50 p.m. to 220 East Fifth St., after reports of smoke coming from a second story unit. Firefighters arrived to find smoke pushing from an upstairs window and heavy smoke conditions in the hallway. They entered the building for an offensive fire attack while simultaneously searching for anyone who might still be inside.
All occupants had already evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters were able to knock down the flames quickly, containing the fire to the room where it started. However, heat and smoke spread through multiple units, leaving several residents temporarily displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting those affected.
An investigation determined the fire was caused by an electrical failure in a window air‑conditioning unit.
The Storm Lake Police Department, Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Emergency Medical Services, the American Red Cross, Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy assisted at the scene.
