South Gilbert Structure Fire Causes $40,000 in Damages

No one was injured by $40,000 of damage was caused by a structure fire on South Gilbert Street this morning.

According to a report from the Iowa City Fire Department, Iowa City firefighters were dispatched for a fire alarm at 335 S. Gilbert Street at 10:08 a.m., the current address of Mega Bite restaurant. The fire department initially responded with two engine companies due to an additional alarm at the same time in the down area.

The first firefighters on scene were arrived to find smoke coming from the front door of the four story residential space over commercial structure, according to the release. The other units were diverted to assist with the call.

The first crew into the building found that the main body of fire had been knocked down by the sprinkler system with the fire contained to the underside of the kitchen counter area. Fire crews brought the fire under control wihtin 10 minutes and the fire was completely extinguished within 15 minutes of the alarm.

All occupants of the business were evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department and there were no injuries. The fire did not spread outside of the business of origin.

Both the Iowa City Police Department and the Johnson County Ambulance Service assisted with on scene efforts. A total of 16 on duty firefighters worked to extinguish the fire., according to the release. Initial damage estimates to the structure and contents is $40,000. Crews were on the scene for just under two hours.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.