MUSCATINE, Iowa — A firefighter was hurt while helping put out flames at 414 Jackson Street in Muscatine.
Just before 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2016, crews responded to fire and heavy smoke coming from the back of the house. Fire Marshal Mike Hartman says the fire attack began immediately, but it was hampered by the building's construction. Some structural collapses made work difficult, as well.
One person was home at the time of the fire, but he was able to get out of the house safely before fire crews arrived.
One firefighter has been taken to a Muscatine hospital after falling from a ladder. He was treated, and had been released by 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Around 33 firefighters from the Fruitland, Wilton and Muscatine fire departments fought the fire, and crews will remain on scene throughout the night watching for hot spots.
Hartman said the house is likely a total loss.
"There is still more work to do in regards to interviews, research, and testing of hypotheses," Hartman said in an update Monday, April 11, 2016, "The initial cause is undetermined, but as more information is gathered the cause is subject to change."
