MUSCATINE, Iowa – At approximately 11:42 a.m., the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call reporting a truck on fire inside a detached garage. The Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) was immediately dispatched to the scene.
While enroute, the incident commander observed heavy smoke coming from the area and requested additional resources. Upon arrival, fire crews found the garage fully engulfed in flames, with fire already spreading to an adjacent residence.
The incident commander confirmed that all occupants had safely exited the home prior to the arrival of fire personnel. Firefighters began an aggressive attack on the fire, deploying multiple hose lines to both contain the garage fire and prevent further spread within the house. Additional crews were utilized to reinforce the firefighting efforts.
One firefighter sustained a minor injury during the response. They were treated at the scene and returned to duty without requiring hospital transport. No injuries were reported among civilians, bystanders, or other emergency personnel.
Fire investigators responded promptly and began their initial investigation on scene. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, early indications do not suggest the fire was intentionally set. Initial property loss is estimated at approximately $100,000.
A total of 20 firefighters from the Muscatine Fire Department responded to the scene. Additional assistance was provided through an automatic aid agreement with the Fruitland Fire Department and mutual aid from the Wilton Fire Department. The Muscatine Police Department also provided support during the incident.
About the Muscatine Fire Department
The Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention services to the City of Muscatine and parts of Muscatine County. MFD also serves as the HAZMAT response team for a five-county area with a population of over 100,000 residents.
In 2024, the department responded to over 5,500 emergency calls. MFD traces its origins back to January 7, 1875, when it began as a volunteer fire company. It became a full-time department in January 1916, continuing its long-standing commitment to protecting the Muscatine community.