Cedar Rapids crews battle pair of overnight fires

Two separate fires caused damage to a house and a fitness center in Cedar Rapids early Monday morning, but no serious injuries were reported.

Crews rushed to 706 Danbury St. NE around 12:10 a.m. and found smoke and fire coming from the windows and doors on all four sides of the home. One person had escaped the burning house, but firefighters searched inside based on initial reports that a woman might still be inside. They later learned no one was still inside the home, and the initial reports were incorrect.

Leland Harris, 29, told authorities he woke up to a loud boom and noticed smoke and fire in the one-story house. Fire investigators later determined the blaze was caused by unattended cooking on a stove top in the kitchen.

A firefighter was treated and released for minor injuries received during the firefight, authorities said. He was back on duty later Monday morning.

Fire and smoke caused significant damage to the main level of the house, and smoke and water damage was present in the basement, officials said.

Shortly after 5 a.m. Monday, firefighters were called to another fire at Inches-A-Weigh fitness club, 2010 Sylvia Ave. NE. An employee who had arrived to open the club noticed smoke and fire coming from one of two sauna units, and called 911.

The sprinkler system for the business, located in the center of a strip mall, activated and prevented the fire from growing, officials said.

Investigators determined an electrical malfunction caused the blaze. No one was injured.