Published: May 27, 2007 06:02 pm         

Major fire damages Lyons businesses, leaves 10 homeless

CLINTON — An early morning fire on Sunday has done damage to at least three north-end businesses and left 10 residents of a nine-unit apartment complex homeless.

Clinton Law Center telecommunicators received a 911 emergency call at 5:31 a.m. Sunday from Matthew Steen, a resident of the complex, who reported that the second floor of the two-story brick building at 204 Main Ave. was on fire. The Clinton Fire Department was dispatched at 5:32 a.m. and initially responded with one ladder truck, one fire engine, one ambulance and 11 personnel. Upon arrival, it was reported that occupants still were in the building.

Engine company three reported heavy smoke coming from the building and advanced hose lines to begin the initial attack on the fire. Firefighters were directed by Clinton police officers to the rear of the building, where two residents of the apartment complex were found sticking their heads out the window in an attempt to breathe fresh air. Ladders were extended and three firefighters, Ray Darsidan, Eric Krenz and David Estes, assisted a man and a woman down and away from the building, later also rescuing their cat. The man was taken by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center North Hospital for treatment for possible smoke inhalation. The man was treated and released. One firefighter received a minor injury in the line of duty. No other injuries were reported.

Clinton Fire Chief Mark Regenwether said the mutual aid system was utilized and three, four and later, five alarm boxes were alerted, calling in other local fire departments including the Camanche Volunteer Fire Department, Fulton, Ill., Fire Protection District, Morrison Fire Department and Charlotte Fire Department. Firefighters performed a primary search of the building and found no other residents inside the building. Regenwether said the Clinton Police Department aided the response by attempting to account for and contact all the people identified as residing at the apartment complex. All of the building's residents were accounted for.

According to EMS Chief Andrew McGovern, the initial attack on the fire in the apartment of origin was successful. An immediate check of fire extension revealed that the fire had extended to the attic, which had several spaces from previous remodeling. Regenwether said the attack on the fire was complicated by the building having three ceilings, the original ceiling, a secondary ceiling and a drop-ceiling. Fire crews worked at exposing the attic areas and ventilating the roof of the structure to try to control the fire spread.

The fire was deemed to be under control at 7:30 a.m., since the major portion of the fire was controlled. Just before 10 a.m., several of the mutual aid fire departments were cleared and released from the scene. At that time, extensive salvage operations were underway to protect property in the businesses under the fire floor. Overhaul operations, checking for further extension of the fire and controlling “hot spots” continued.

The building is owned by Red Ink, a corporation owned by Clinton Councilman Rodger Holm, Rastrelli's owner Mike Rastrelli, Sweetheart Bakery owner Chuck Thornton, Pape Funeral Home owner Brian Pape and Maggie Pottratz, owner of McKinley Street Taverne. The building is insured and housed three businesses including Stepping With Stacey, Sin El Sol Tanning Salon and Stars and Strikes Baseball Card Shop. Two other businesses in the 200 block of Main Avenue, Giddings Massage Therapy and K & K Hair Design, were checked for fire extension and may have suffered smoke damage. Eight of the nine apartments were occupied. According to fire officials, none of the apartment complex residents had renter's insurance.

The Clinton Fire Department responded with 35 firefighters, two ladder trucks, three engine companies, one ambulance and a rescue unit. The fire chief, fire marshal and safety officer also were called to the scene. The fire department was assisted by the Clinton Police Department, Camanche Volunteer Fire Department, Fulton Fire Protection District, Morrison Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department, Medic Ambulance, the Gateway Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, Iowa American Water and Alliant Energy. The Clinton Police Department responded with eight officers and a tactical control unit that was utilized by members of the Gateway Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to house and register the residents of the building.

The Camanche Fire Department and Morrison Fire Departments responded with six personnel and one fire engine each. The Charlotte Fire Department responded with six personnel and an air trailer. The Fulton Fire Protection District responded with 11 personnel, one tanker, one engine and a rescue truck. Main Avenue businesses, including Rastrelli's and Homer's Deli, aided the response by providing food and beverages for on scene personnel.

Regenwether said the fire department would remain at the scene throughout Sunday afternoon in order to make sure the fire was out, check for hot spots and maintain security. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation by the Clinton Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office. An estimate of the damage is not yet available.

     

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