3rd Alarm Iowa Fire Cause Remains Undetermined

June 2, 2003
On Saturday, April 5, 2003, Des Moines firefighters battled a fire at the Vine Street Loft Apartments, 101 2nd Avenue. The fire resulted in a 3rd Alarm blaze that consumed nearly an entire city block in the downtown Des Moines area
On Saturday, April 5, 2003, Des Moines firefighters battled a fire at the Vine Street Loft Apartments, 101 2nd Avenue. The fire resulted in a 3rd Alarm blaze that consumed nearly an entire city block in the downtown Des Moines area.

Firefighters remained on the scene for several days as they continued to extinguish hot spots.

Des Moines Fire Investigators with the assistance of the ATF searched through mounds of debris and rubble in efforts of determining a cause.

Senior Fire Investigator, Brad Fousek, released the following information this morning:

"At this time, the investigation of the Vine Street Loft Apartments has concluded. The witness statements, assistance from the ATF, video and photographs from the public have been extremely helpful in determining the area in which the fire started.

However, due to the magnitude of the fire, much of the physical indicators (burn patterns, structural components, potential ignition sources) was destroyed. The cause of this fire remains undetermined.

Fousek also indicated that anyone with additional information relating to this incident is still encouraged to contact the Fire Investigation Division.

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