VIDEO: Crews from multiple fire departments responded to flames in Albia Monday morning. The fire broke out at the R.O. Cramer building along the Albia town square. The mixed-use structure housed businesses on the first floor and six apartments upstairs Smoke continued pouring out of the building as crews fought the flames Monday morning and afternoon. You can see video from the scene at the top of this story.
A longtime apartment resident recounted the harrowing incident, saying he heard two loud bangs, prompting him to investigate. โI got up. I went into the hallway. Smoke alarms were going off. I noticed smoke coming down through the light fixtures in the hallway,โ he described. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he began pounding on neighbors’ doors to wake them and help them escape.
As the fire raged, parts of the building’s second floor collapsed, leaving the residentsโ living spaces in ruins. Next door, the owner of Hair Haven rushed to her business after being notified of the fire. โBecause the building next door was on fire. So I came right over here, and by that time, I mean, it was huge,โ said Kaytlyn Waters, business owner.
Thankfully, the flames did not spread, sparing her business from significant damage. However, the scene was chaotic as dense smoke filled the area, leading to the evacuation of surrounding properties. Firefighters from multiple departments converged on the scene, employing ladder trucks and working tirelessly to contain the fire.
