Fire Evacuates Urbandale Condo Complex

A fire in a condominium at 7815 Douglas Avenue forced the evacuation of 30 units in the complex late Wednesday night.

No was injured in the fire and the fire was largely contained to the third-floor condominium where it started and the attic above that, said Fire Chief Jerry Holt.

Holt said the fire started in the fan motor of the furnace in Unit 302 of the Executive Manor Condominiums.

Firefighters from Urbandale, Windsor Heights, Clive and Johnston, and a West Des Moines emergency medical crew responded to the fire call about 11:38 p.m. Wednesday.

When they arrived, they saw fire coming out of the attic. Crews brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. He said water and smoke damage was very limited, but firefighters had to break down several doors to other units to ensure that everyone was evacuated from the building.

One person was transported to the hospital because of a medical emergency unrelated to the fire, said Holt.

All residents except those living in Unit 302 were allowed to return that night.

Holt told WHO-TV that he estimated the damage at $65,000 to $70,000.