Officials Suspect Arson In House Fire in Cedar Rapids' Flood Zone

By Aaron Hepker, Content Editor

Firefighters on the scene of a house fire at 304 K Avenue Northwest in Cedar Rapids on the night of August 2nd, 2010. Officials believe the fire was set intentionally. (Aaron Hepker/SourceMedia Group)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Aug 2, 2010 at 11:51 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 3, 2010 at 7:35 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS - Officials say they suspect arson in a fire on Cedar Rapids' northwest side late Monday night.

Firefighters were called to an unoccupied, flood-damaged home at 304 K Avenue NW shortly after 10:15 p.m. Monday. When firefighters entered the home, they found several fires had been set on the main floor of the building, as well as in the basement. Crews were able to quickly contain the fire.

Cedar Rapids Fire Department spokesperson Greg Buelow said that the home was owned by the City of Cedar Rapids, and is one of 192 properties that are eligible for voluntary property acquisition through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Buelow said that fewer than a dozen flood-damaged homes have been destroyed by arson since June of 2008.

An investigation is under way.

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