Early-morning Waterloo fire deemed suspicious

Waterloo firefighters responded to a house fire at 927 W. Seventh St. early Wednesday.

Fire crews on scene said no one was inside the burning home. The home is considered a total loss

Crews arrived on scene at about 5 a.m. Wednesday. Firefighters said flames were shooting out of every door and window, so they were forced to fight the blaze from the outside of the structure. The intensity of the fire made it too dangerous to go inside.

The home is considered a total loss. Two homes near the scene also had damage to the siding. No injuries were reported.

Two things worked against firefighters as they battled the blaze: the heat and a hidden fire hydrant. Crews worked to stay hydrated as they fought the flames in the humidity during the warm morning temperatures.

A bush also hid a fire hydrant from view. Officials said firefighters spent at least a minute looking for it. They asked everyone to make sure hydrants can be seen near bushes or plants as the summer months continue.

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