Small fire in downtown Iowa City causes minor damage

IOWA CITY - A downtown Iowa City business sustained an estimated $5,000 in damage Monday after a small fire, Iowa City Fire Department officials said.

There were no injuries in the incident.

The Iowa City Fire Department responded to reports of smoke outside the building at 121 E. College St., on the pedestrian mall in downtown Iowa City.

First-in crews encountered light smoke in both The Union bar, at 121 E. College, and The Soap Opera, at 119 E. College St. The apartments above both buildings were evacuated while fire crews searched for the fire.

The fire was located in an overhang on the front of The Soap Opera. Crews spent two to three hours doing overhaul and extinguishing small fires in the overhang, according to fire officials.

Mutual aid was received from Solon, North Liberty, Tiffin and Hills fire departments. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Occupants were allowed to return to their apartments after the fire was extinguished.