Iowa City Fire Department partners with Community Connect to improve emergency responses

The Iowa City Fire Department (ICFD) is looking to improve emergency response efforts through a new partnership with Community Connect. The platform allows residents and business owners to share information, allowing firefighters to better protect lives and property. Residents and businesses can register for free on Community Connect, providing details like property layout, occupants, and emergency contact information. ICFD says all data will be securely stored and accessible only to first responders during emergencies, helps firefighters plan and execute responses more effectively.
KGAN-TV CBS 2 Cedar Rapids

Council Bluffs wildland firefighters team with Pottawattamie County specialist to fight fire with fire

VIDEO: It may seem counterproductive, setting fire when flames are already tearing through acres of land. It's actually a tactic known as back burning, and it's used to fight wildland fires. "It's a lot less dangerous for firefighters, and there are no resources lost," Chad Graeve, Pottawattamie County natural resource specialist, said. "It was real advantageous." Fires like the one on April 11 that sparked just north of Council Bluffs along I-80. "The fire was spotting so far ahead of itself," Graeve said. You had the main fire and a new hot spot, sometimes 150 feet ahead of it. We didn't have time to work off of something and backfire. So we had to go way ahead, find a better spot to backfire off of so that it wouldn't jump that and really create a lot of black."
KETV ABC 7 Omaha

Indianola Fire Chief set to retire

Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia will retire at the end of the year, the city of Indianola said Friday. "I could not have designed and experienced a better career, seeing all the positive developments that make our communities safe," Chia said in a statement. "Working as the Indianola Fire Chief has been an incredible experience that has allowed me to develop numerous skills and serve the community with devotion." Chia joined the Indianola Fire Department as chief in May 2015 and has stayed in the role for nearly 10 years. "Chief Chia’s exceptional leadership has propelled the department forward, making significant strides in not only enhanced emergency protocols, preparedness and responsiveness but also a supportive culture of camaraderie and excellence," said Indianola City Manager Benjamin Reeves in a statement.
WOI-TV ABC 5 Ames

Crews respond to house fire in Dubuque, investigation underway

An investigation is underway after a fire broke out in Dubuque. The Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office along with Sherill, Holy Cross, Asbury, and North Buena Vista Fire Departments said they responded to 12275 Circle Ridge Road for a report of smoke coming from a first floor window of a home. The fire was able to be put out, and no injuries were reported, but the residence and its contents, valued at approximately $200,000 is considered a total loss, crews said. The Red Cross is responding to assist the family. The incident is still under investigation, crews said.
KWQC-TV NBC 6 Davenport

Neighbors discover fire in garage of vacant home in Sioux City

Neighbors discovered a fire inside the garage of a vacant home after seeing smoke coming out of the door. Sioux City Fire Rescue was called to that fire around 4:15 Sunday afternoon in the 1500 block of Pierce Street. Crews found smoke coming from the garage and a working fire inside when they made entry. Fire officials tell KTIV that they believe no one is living inside the home where the garage is located and that they were able to get the fire out quickly. No injuries were reported at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
KTIV-TV NBC 4 Sioux City