The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Downtown businesses evacuated after reports of fire

Officials evacuated several downtown businesses and apartments after reports of smoke from a downtown bar Monday.

Firefighters responded to the Union Bar, 121 E. College St., around noon, where small amounts of smoke were leaking from metal plating in the front of the building — stretching to Graze, 115 E. College St.

Firefighters had to smash the glass doors of Union to enter, and several officials entered apartment buildings above Union and the Soap Opera, 119 E. College St., where they located light smoke, according to a press release.

Officials said the fire was located in an overhang on the front of the Soap Opera, and crews spent two to three hours doing overhaul and extinguishing small fires in the awning.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the damage is estimated at $5,000, according to a press release.

The release said there were no injuries, and occupants were allowed to return to their apartments after the fire was put out.

— by Hayley Bruce

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