(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Fire and Cass EMS were dispatched at 7:22-a.m. to a house fire in the vicinity of 8th & Birch Streets. Flames were said to have been visible from the back of the home near the roof, when the call was dispatched.  Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel reports when firefighters arrived on the scene, smoke was visible. Cappel said there was an air conditioning unit in the upstairs that had been running. He said wiring in the wall caught fire because it wasn’t properly wired. 

The home sustained minimal fire and smoke damage. Power to the house was shut-off until the wiring can be fixed. Chief Cappel said the home’s residents will be displaced for a short period of time. There were no injuries, as the occupants of the home safely evacuated prior to the arrival of police and fire crews. Atlantic Fire was on the scene for about 30-to 45-minutes.

Ric Hanson/photo