Charles City commercial structure fire results in evacuation, closure of section of Avenue of the Saints
CHARLES CITY — A fire in the southern portion of Charles City has resulted in some evacuations and the closure of a section of the Avenue of the Saints.
The Charles City Fire Department says a passerby called 9-1-1 at about 8:40 last night to report heavy smoke coming from the Hawkeye Mold and Design Company at 2323 Old Highway Road. Personnel arrived to find a large commercial structure with heavy smoke and fire, with mutual aid from several area fire departments and various public safety agencies being called in.
Nearly 70 firefighters were at the scene until about 11:30, when the scene became unsafe due to several stored materials within the structure that became involved in the fire requiring the site to be immediately evacuated. At the same time, residents within a half mile of the fire in the downwind direction were ordered to evacuate by the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
As of this morning, there was no immediate danger to the public outside the scene and evacuated area.
Roads are closed around the scene, including the Avenue of the Saints from Nashua to the South Grand Avenue exit, or exit 218. Motorists should follow the detour utilizing County Roads T-64 and B-60. Do not attempt to go around any barricades and stay away from the area to allow personnel to continue working safely.
