Arson Fairly Rare in Cedar Rapids' Flood Zone

By Mark Geary, Reporter

Firefighters battle a fire in the 10 block of 19th Avenue SW this morning, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Three vacant, flood-damaged houses were damaged, including one that burned to the ground, but no one was hurt. (Jeff Raasch/The Gazette)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Aug 3, 2010 at 10:26 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 3, 2010 at 10:26 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Since the 2008 flood, Cedar Rapids firefighters have responded to about a dozen fires at flooded out homes. They’re hoping that number does not climb any higher.

Fighting fire is a risky business, but when you’re dealing with a rotting, flood-damaged home, those risks become even greater.

“It’s an extremely dangerous situation for a firefighter to go in there,” Cedar Rapids Fire Department Spokesperson Greg Buelow said.

It could have also been dangerous for those who still live nearby. Matt Lehman spotted the flames and reported the fire right away.

“That could have started another house on fire or somebody else’s property or someone who was trying to rebuild. Nobody really considers that,” Lehman said.

Lehman says he worries about crime in his neighborhood.

“We’ve got a bunch of little kids running around and their parents are at work. It’s summer. Nobody’s in school,” Lehman said.

Cedar Rapids Police still patrol the flood area every day, but the city thinks arson numbers have also remained low because of the community support.

“We have vigilant neighbors. Those who have decided to build back their home, put blood, sweat and tears back into it, don’t want to see this happen in their community,” Buelow said.

Anyone who gets caught setting a fire could potentially face felony charges, especially if someone gets hurt.

“There aren’t any warnings. This isn’t just trespassing. This is deliberately setting a house on fire and endangering people’s lives,” Buelow said.

Plus, firefighters say they already have to deal with plenty of real emergencies.

Cedar Rapids firefighters say other cities that have faced a similar situation have had a lot more problems with arson. They said New Orleans was surprised to hear Cedar Rapids has only had about a dozen cases of arson in the past two years.

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