Fire Investigation of 3729 G Avenue NE Residential Fire

An investigation of the origin and cause of the fire at 3729 G Avenue NE has determined that the fire started on a stovetop in the kitchen.  A burner was apparently left on accidentally after the occupant was cooking.  The fire has been ruled accidental. 

Cedar Rapids firefighters were dispatched to 3729 G Avenue NE on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 1:43 p.m. for multiple reports of a house on fire.  Firefighters arrived on scene of the single-family residence to find heavy fire showing from two sides of the house.  The occupant of the home, a 54-year old male, had safely escaped. 

Due to the significant fire spread inside the residence by the time fire crews arrived, a defensive tactical plan was deployed for extinguishment. Defensive plans are used when there is too much risk for firefighters to make an interior fire attack because of the structural integrity of the home due to fire spread. The roof of the home partially collapsed due to the fire. Fire crews protected the homes on both sides of the burning structure, as well as a detached garage. The detached garage sustained water damage. 

The Fire Department was assisted by the City’s Water Department as there was a water main break in front of the house.  The Fire Department was also assisted by Cedar Rapids Police officers and Area Ambulance Services personnel. 

No injuries were reported. 

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.  The Cedar Rapids Fire Department would like to remind residents to always cook with caution.  Be alert – if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.  Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop. 

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire:

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out of the home. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.