Early morning fire renders Dubuque apartment building 'uninhabitable'

DUBUQUE, Iowa — A fire broke out early Thursday morning in an apartment building on the second floor, prompting a swift response from the Dubuque Fire Department.

A tenant reported smoke and flames at 6:54 a.m., leading to the dispatch of multiple fire units, including Battalion 1 and Engine 1, within 30 seconds. Nineteen firefighters arrived on the scene, with Engine 1 reaching the site in four minutes.

Crews reported smoke from the roof and quickly deployed an attack hose line. The situation was under control with an "all clear" for occupants, and the fire was extinguished within minutes. The fire, located in the attic, was deemed accidental, with the Fire Marshal's Office investigating further.

The building was declared uninhabitable, and the Red Cross provided assistance to resident