River Bend Times

City of Muscatine issued the following announcement on Aug. 26. 

A Muscatine home was extensively damaged by fire Tuesday (August 25) afternoon. No one was at home at the time of the fire but fire personnel were able to successfully rescue a dog that was unable to escape the home.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at 2:23 p.m. Tuesday of a house on fire from a person who was passing by the home at 5506 West 67th Street and saw smoke coming from the house and roofline.

Fire crews were made aware as they arrived at the scene that one dog had not been able to escape and it was unclear if there were any occupants inside. A search of the home found the dog in a bathroom. The canine was taken outside, was is in good health, and did not appear to be injured.

A primary search was completed and verified that no other occupants were home at the time.

Upon arrival fire department members pulled fire hose to the front of the house and the back of the house. The fire was extinguished with salvage and overhaul completed.

The fire appears to have started on the back porch, spread to the roof, and then to the garage. The fire also spread to the dining room and kitchen after a sliding glass door and window failed due to the heavy fire on the back porch. The scene remains under investigation.

Fire personnel also had to combat the weather and a heat advisory with more firefighters requested to the scene allowing crews to rotate while attacking the fire. Approximately 21 fire fighters responded to the scene including off duty personnel.  No first responders were injured.

The damage to the home is extensive. The homeowners did have their interior doors closed, and that contributed to the reduction of the fire spread saving many of their valuables. Smoke detectors were going off although there were no occupants in the home.

The Muscatine Fire Department was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department, Fruitland Fire Department, Letts Fire Department and 1800BoardUp to assist the homeowner.

Original source can be found here.

Source: City of Muscatine