Clear Lake fire: Lint buildup sparks basement blaze, no injuries

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — The Clear Lake Fire Department (CLFD) quickly extinguished a basement fire at a home on Tuesday morning. Firefighters arrived at the single-family residence in the 2000 block of Main Avenue after a report of a fire in the laundry area at around 8:15 am. The homeowners had evacuated safely with their pet dog before firefighters arrived. CLFD says the fire was contained to the basement and caused an estimated $7,500 in damage. The fire department responded with an aerial ladder truck, one engine company, and two medic units, totaling 14 firefighters. The blaze was attributed to lint buildup igniting in the clothes dryer vent. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Clear Lake Police Department assisted at the scene.