First arriving firefighters found the first floor fully involved in fire and the fire was extending to the second floor. The ceiling and upper floor had already partially collapsed.
Fire Investigators were called to the scene. Senior Fire Investigator, Brad Fousek, reported the following:
"This is the second fire at this vacant dwelling in the past (2) weeks.
DMFD responded to a fire at this location on May 18th. An extensive amount of damage occurred during the first fire, and this second fire has left the dwelling a total loss."
Fousek believes this fire was intentionally set. Anyone from the public with information relating to either fire is asked to call the Des Moines Fire Department's Fire Investigation Division at (515)283-4006.
No injuries were reported.
Des Moines Firefighters Battle A 2nd Alarm Barn Fire Des Moines firefighters requested assistance shuttling water as they battled a barn fire today (12:20 PM) at 7201 SE14th Street. Fire arriving firefighters found the barn fully involved with fire. With limited fire hydrants in the area, Captain Denny Davis requested the assistance of (2) tanker trucks from Warren County. Those tankers along with DMFD's tanker shuttled water to the scene as firefighters attacked the structure with handlines. The barn, used to store hay and other miscellaneous items, is considered a total loss. Fire Investigators were called to the scene. Senior Fire Investigator, Brad Fousek, released the following information: "The property owner said that the residence has been vacant for approximately three years. He had numerous reports of juveniles in and out of the barn." Fousek also stated that is these juveniles had likely been playing with fire or discarded smoking material while inside the barn, causing the structure to ignite. Fousek requested that anyone with information relating to this fire should call the Des Moines Fire Department's Fire Investigation Division at (515)283-4006. Additional information relating to these incidents will be released as it is made available by the Fire Investigators.
