Crews from multiple fire departments responded to flames in Albia Monday morning.The fire broke out at the R.O. Cramer building along the Albia town square.The mixed-use structure housed businesses on the first floor and six apartments upstairsSmoke continued pouring out of the building as crews fought the flames Monday morning and afternoon. You can see video from the scene at the top of this story.A longtime apartment resident recounted the harrowing incident, saying he heard two loud bangs, prompting him to investigate.“I got up. I went into the hallway. Smoke alarms were going off. I noticed smoke coming down through the light fixtures in the hallway,” he described.Realizing the urgency of the situation, he began pounding on neighbors' doors to wake them and help them escape.As the fire raged, parts of the building's second floor collapsed, leaving the residents’ living spaces in ruins.Next door, the owner of Hair Haven rushed to her business after being notified of the fire.“Because the building next door was on fire. So I came right over here, and by that time, I mean, it was huge,” said Kaytlyn Waters, business owner.Thankfully, the flames did not spread, sparing her business from significant damage.However, the scene was chaotic as dense smoke filled the area, leading to the evacuation of surrounding properties.Firefighters from multiple departments converged on the scene, employing ladder trucks and working tirelessly to contain the fire.According to officials, their primary goal was to prevent the flames from spreading to other businesses on the square.“As you can see, we have several departments here with ladder trucks, and that’s our main goal. To keep the other business on the square from catching fire,” said Albia Fire Chief John Freshwater.This coordinated effort was critical to protecting the local business community from more extensive damage.The fire’s intensity made it a difficult battle for crews.Freshwater explained the challenges firefighters encountered when attempting an interior attack.“The guys tried to make entry for an interior attack, but it was already starting to flash over on the inside,” he noted.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Early indications suggest that it may have started in one of the apartments at the back of the building.“It is too early to determine a possible cause of the fire,” said Freshwater, noting that further analysis is needed to uncover what sparked the disaster.Photos from Albia town square fireDaniel Watkins shared these photos with vlog, showing the fire at around noon Monday.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.» Subscribe to vlog's YouTube page» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
ALBIA, Iowa — Crews from multiple fire departments responded to flames in Albia Monday morning.
The fire broke out at the R.O. Cramer building along the Albia town square.
The mixed-use structure housed businesses on the first floor and six apartments upstairs
Smoke continued pouring out of the building as crews fought the flames Monday morning and afternoon. You can see video from the scene at the top of this story.
A longtime apartment resident recounted the harrowing incident, saying he heard two loud bangs, prompting him to investigate.
“I got up. I went into the hallway. Smoke alarms were going off. I noticed smoke coming down through the light fixtures in the hallway,” he described.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, he began pounding on neighbors' doors to wake them and help them escape.
As the fire raged, parts of the building's second floor collapsed, leaving the residents’ living spaces in ruins.
Next door, the owner of Hair Haven rushed to her business after being notified of the fire.
“Because the building next door was on fire. So I came right over here, and by that time, I mean, it was huge,” said Kaytlyn Waters, business owner.
Thankfully, the flames did not spread, sparing her business from significant damage.
However, the scene was chaotic as dense smoke filled the area, leading to the evacuation of surrounding properties.
Firefighters from multiple departments converged on the scene, employing ladder trucks and working tirelessly to contain the fire.
According to officials, their primary goal was to prevent the flames from spreading to other businesses on the square.
“As you can see, we have several departments here with ladder trucks, and that’s our main goal. To keep the other business on the square from catching fire,” said Albia Fire Chief John Freshwater.
This coordinated effort was critical to protecting the local business community from more extensive damage.
The fire’s intensity made it a difficult battle for crews.
Freshwater explained the challenges firefighters encountered when attempting an interior attack.
“The guys tried to make entry for an interior attack, but it was already starting to flash over on the inside,” he noted.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Early indications suggest that it may have started in one of the apartments at the back of the building.
“It is too early to determine a possible cause of the fire,” said Freshwater, noting that further analysis is needed to uncover what sparked the disaster.
Photos from Albia town square fire
Daniel Watkins shared these photos with vlog, showing the fire at around noon Monday.
Daniel Watkins
A fire broke out Monday at a building along the Albia town square.
Daniel Watkins
A fire broke out Monday at a building along the Albia town square.
Daniel Watkins
A fire broke out Monday at a building along the Albia town square.
Daniel Watkins
A fire broke out Monday at a building along the Albia town square.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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