Two Businesses Damaged In Overnight Fire

Firefighters from six departments battled an early morning structure fire in downtown Oskaloosa. (photo by Tom Lang)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The alarm went out at 2:15 am on Monday morning that a building located at 208 1st Ave East was on fire.

The fire was reported to the law center by an individual that suffered burns to their hands.

The building housing Swims sports was reported with heavy smoke and some flames were visible. The ‘all in’ went out to the Oskaloosa Fire Department, and every available person made their way to the scene.

The upper floor of the Swim Sports building housed Evolution, a counseling and therapy business.

Eventually, six departments were on the scene, including an aerial truck from the Pella Fire Department. The other departments responding to the mutual aid call was New Sharon, Montezuma, Eddyville, and Cedar Township.

Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff said, “We believe it was set. The suspect’s in custody at this point.”

Neff said that the fire continues to be under investigation. “The story we’ve got right now was he just used a lighter, a cigarette lighter, and started lighting papers on fire.”

Oskaloosa Fire Department Press Release

Press Release: Fire located at 208 ½ 1st Avenue East

The Oskaloosa Fire Department was dispatched at 0217 for a structure fire at Evolutions.

The fire was contained to the building of origin and floor of origin however heavy smoke and water damage to Swim Sports located below the fire floor has caused this business to be closed until further notice. Smoke and water damage is also present in the True Value hardware store, Hospice of Mahaska County and Mid West One drive up bank. The bank was able to open for business.

49 firefighters from Oskaloosa, Pella, New Sharon, Cedar Township, Eddyville, and Montezuma fought the fire for about 6 hours.

The State Fire Marshal office was contacted to assist with the investigation which is still ongoing. The cause of the fire is suspicious and any criminal investigation will be handled by the Oskaloosa Police Department.

There is no danger to the public.

Mark Neff
Chief of the Department