Downtown Marshalltown building destroyed in fire

Fire destroyed a downtown building in Marshalltown early Wednesday.

Fire crews were called to 135 East Main Street, just west of the Marshalltown Medical Center, at 11 p.m. Tuesday. When crews arrived, flames were shooting from the lowest level of the three-story building.

Fire crews from some surrounding cities were called in to help battle the fire.

Officials said a family was living in the back of the building and got out safely. The building also houses a Hispanic grocery store.

Fire Captain Don Barker said the fire burned very quickly.

"Well this type of construction is Main Street style, dating back to the 1800s, and all wood frame. So fire is going to spread very quickly in these types of buildings," said Barker.

Firefighters were still on scene Wednesday morning, making sure the fire didn't spread to nearby buildings.

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