Cedar Rapids mobile home fire tied to malfunctioning air conditioner

UPDATE: Fire caused heavy damage to a mobile home Tuesday morning in southwest Cedar Rapids, but firefighters prevented a total loss.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was reported around 7:10 a.m. at Lot 25 in the Hide A Way Manor mobile home park, 700 41st Ave. Dr. SW.

Capt. Roy Becker said flames and smoke were extending from a window-mounted air conditioner unit when he arrived. He said crews were able to stop the fire before it spread to the roof.

“We came in through the front door and pushed it right back out the same place it came in,” Becker said. “It only took about 30 seconds to knock it down.”

Officials said the homeowner, Dave Laton, 45, had left for work and no one was inside when the fire started. Neighbors Richard and Patricia Adams called 911 to report it.

Becker said there was fire, smoke and water damage to the living room and kitchen, along with some smoke and light water damage to the back bedroom. He said the home was repairable.

Authorities said Laton would be displaced as a result of the fire. In a brief interview with The Gazette, Laton said he would have another place to stay.

Investigators determined an electrical failure related to the air conditioner unit caused the fire.

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