The Tama Building in downtown Burlington is considered a total loss following a fire that started late Saturday night. The building was in the final stages of a multi-million dollar restoration project that included upper-story housing and ground level commercial space.
The Burlington Fire Department said the first call came in at about 10:55 p.m. about the five-story building being on fire and that a woman needed to be rescued from the third floor. Crews arrived within four minutes, but the fire was already in an advanced stage.
Upon arrival, firefighters extended an aerial ladder truck to the third floor to rescue the unidentified woman, who was calling for help while leaning out of a third story window. She was able to climb down the ladder under her own power.
A total of 6 departments and 53 firefighters responded to the scene.
- Burlington
- Danville
- Fort Madison
- Mediapolis
- Mount Pleasant
- West Burlington
The Burlington Fire Department said two firefighters were taken to the hospital for injuries suffered at the scene. They were both treated and released for non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters have remained at the scene since the fire started, wetting down hot spots and smoldering remains. The building experienced a partial structural collapse and is considered unstable. Adjacent buildings and apartments were evacuated as a precaution.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
