Dubuque Residential Fire Causes $60K in Damage, Occupants Escape Harm

A late-night fire in Dubuque left a family displaced, but unharmed, after flames tore through their home on Edith Street Thursday evening, September 25th, 2025.

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According to a news release from the Dubuque Fire Department, Dubuque Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:57 p.m. on September 25 from an occupant reporting an oven fire at 655 Edith Street.

Fire crews were dispatched less than two minutes later, with Engine 3, Engine 6, and Battalion 1 first arriving on the scene. Eight firefighters initially responded, and Engine 3 reached the residence within four minutes to find smoke rising from the peak of the roof. A working fire was declared, and the response was quickly upgraded to a full alarm, ultimately bringing 19 firefighters and multiple engines, trucks, and medic units to the scene.

As crews investigated, the fire flashed over, shattering windows in the kitchen and living room. Firefighters quickly stretched hose lines to the left side and rear of the house and mounted an interior attack from both the front and rear doors. Within five minutes, the blaze was knocked down, though heavy smoke required ventilation throughout the main floor, attic, and basement.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking oil heating on the stove. The home sustained an estimated $60,000 in damage and was ruled uninhabitable. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced family with temporary lodging. Three children and two adults escaped safely before firefighters arrived.

The Dubuque Fire Department, assisted by the Dubuque Police Department, remained on scene for two and a half hours to overhaul, secure the residence, and provide assistance to the occupants. No injuries to residents or responders were reported during the incident.