No Sprinklers In Urbandale Condominiums Destroyed By Fire

URBANDALE, IA — The cause of a New Year's Day fire that destroyed half of a condominium building and left several people homeless may never be determined, Urbandale Fire Chief Jerry Holt said. But he believes if there had been a sprinkler system in the building, damage would have been much less severe.

Holt told WHO-TV that three of the four Plumwood Terrace Condominium buildings did not have sprinkler systems, including the one destroyed Monday. They were not required at the time of construction. Only the fourth building is equipped with fire sprinklers because it was rebuilt following a fire 10 year ago, after sprinklers became mandatory.

Holt told The Des Moines Register that the amount of damage and the thick coating of ice on the charred debris makes the fire one of the most difficult cases he has seen. The condo is located at 4837 N.W. 86th St.

The fire destroyed the north half of the building. Residents living in the south end have been allowed to return temporarily to retrieve belongings, accompanied by fire officials, the Register reported. The remaining units will have to be assessed for structural stability before occupants can return.

The fire was reported about 3:30 p.m. Monday and is believed to have started in the attic area. Firefighters from seven departments battled the blaze.

Patch file photo, Melissa Myers