CEDAR RAPIDS: Three Alarm Arson Fire Injures Several, Including Firefighter

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (LoudLabs CR) – On 2/28/2019 at 8:30 AM, Cedar Rapids firefighers were dispatched to a report of a structure fire in an apartment building with persons trapped at 2255 C Street SW. Arriving units found a heavily involved two story apartment building with flames and smoke showing and immediately called for additional resources while attempting to access the victims on the second floor. One male victim was rescued by firefighters and was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Three additional victims were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries, along with a firefighter with unspecified minor injuries. Additional victims were treated and released at the scene. The fire was determined shortly thereafter to have been intentionally set, and authorities announced that charges will very likely be filed in the near future. Cedar Rapids Fire Department was assisted by Area Ambulance Service, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Hiawatha Fire Department.