A coordinated response by the Indianola Fire Department and Indianola Police Department, combined with effective building safety systems, prevented serious damage and injuries during an early-morning apartment fire on Wednesday, August 13.
At 2:57 a.m. Wednesday, emergency crews were dispatched to a reported fire at Prairie Rose Senior Apartments – a three-story, 81-unit apartment building on Indianola’s west side. The fire began in a first-floor apartment, where a resident was awakened by a smoke detector, evacuated and called 911. Indianola Police arrived first, reporting heavy smoke in the hallway and assisting with resident evacuations.
Fire crews located and quickly extinguished a small fire on a recliner, containing it to the apartment of origin. After ventilating the building and confirming air quality, officials determined it was safe for residents to return. No injuries were reported.
Working smoke alarms, the building’s fire alarm system and fire doors in hallway corridors are credited with protecting more than 80 residents and their pets. Officials want to remind all citizens to test smoke alarms regularly. Here are helpful tips to remember, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button and replace smoke detector batteries annually.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
For more information about the Indianola Fire Department, please visit: indianolaiowa.gov/fire.
For more information about the Indianola Police Department, please visit: indianolaiowa.gov/police.