One Firefighter Hospitalized After A Bettendorf House Fire

A quiet Monday afternoon in Bettendorf quickly turned tense when firefighters rushed to a house fire on the 1400 block of 21st Street.

Fire Erupts Along Front of Home and Nearby Shed

Emergency crews were dispatched around 12:45 p.m. after reports of a structure fire. When firefighters arrived, flames were already climbing the front exterior of the home while a nearby shed burned heavily beside it.

Smoke and fire damage could be seen from outside the residence as crews worked to stop the flames from spreading further into the house.

Crews Cut Into Attic While Residents Escape Safely

Firefighters managed to knock down the fire on the outside before moving inside the home to search for hidden hot spots. Officials said crews had to pull sections of the ceiling apart to reach flames that had spread into the attic.

By around 1:20 p.m., the visible flames appeared to be under control, though emergency crews remained on scene continuing their investigation and checking for remaining fire.

One person was inside the home when the fire started and was able to escape safely. The homeowner also made sure the family dog got out unharmed before firefighters arrived.

Firefighter Hospitalized as Search Continues for Family Pet

While battling the fire in the afternoon heat, one firefighter was taken to the hospital as a precaution for possible heat exhaustion. Officials said the firefighter is expected to recover.

Homeowners told reporters they believe the fire may have started in the shed before spreading to the house.

Although everyone inside the home made it out safely, firefighters were still searching for the family’s cat after the flames were extinguished.

The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.