Fire at 627 Bartlet Court NW Attributed to Fireworks

On Monday, July 5 at 10:24 p.m. Cedar Rapids firefighters were dispatched to 627 Bartlet Court NW for the report of a shed, trees, and a fence on fire in the backyard.  Firefighters arrived on scene to find a 10 feet by 15 feet garden shed fully involved in fire.  There were several large trees and 50 feet of a wooden fence that were burning as well.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire and prevent any further extension to other property in the area. 

The owner and another neighbor observed fireworks being discharged in close proximity to the shed just prior to the fire. 

The garden shed was completely destroyed.  There was approximately $3,200 in property damage.

The discharge of fireworks in the city limits is prohibited.  The illegal discharge of fireworks can result in both criminal penalties and civil liability.  This is the 11^th fire attributed to fireworks in Cedar Rapids since July 2.