DES MOINES FIRE DEPARTMENT Media Release
October 27, 2003
Des Moines firefighters battled yet another Second Alarm fire on the East Side of Des Moines.
Firefighters responded to 1506 East Grand Avenue (the old Flower Shop) at 1:20 a.m. today. Acting District Chief, Hollie Smith, reported "fire coming through the roof on the north side of the building." "The building faces the street to the south," Smith said.
Firefighters were able to get inside the structure by breaking through the front door. They were able to extinguish the fire from the interior, but had to cut several holes in the roof to vent the heat and smoke.
Smith also reported, "When I first pulled up, I would have guessed the building to burn to the ground - it was already burning that hard." "Our firefighters made an excellent stop on this fire," he said.
Fire Investigators were called to the scene. Senior Fire Investigator, Dave Knutzen, reported:
"The fire appears to be a 'set fire' as no utilities serviced the structure."
"It has been reported that the homeless had access to the building and had been staying here."
"The owner of the building said that it has been vacant for approximately (3) months; however, a new tenant was expected to move in next week."
Knutzen reported the damages to the building at well over $100,000 - considered a total loss. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.
Additional information will be released when it is made available by Des Moines Fire Investigators. Linda Frangenberg, Lieutenant, DMFD
