Cedar Rapids firefighters save presents, tree from duplex fire

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids firefighters were able to preserve a piece of Christmas for the occupants of a duplex that caught fire Thursday night.

According to a Cedar Rapids fire news release, crews were called to a duplex at 369 15th St. SE at 8:05 p.m. for a report of a working fire. Firefighters were informed that three adults and seven children had safely escaped the duplex.

Responding units encountered 'heavy fire conditions” at the rear of the home.

After getting the main body of the fire under control, crews entered the home and extinguished the fire. Firefighters were able to cover and save Christmas gifts and a Christmas tree on the first floor. The gifts were loaded into the battalion chief's pickup truck and taken to a neighbor's home.

Authorities said the duplex sustained significant damages and the occupants were displaced. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com