Iowa City Fire Department responds to fire on East Burlington Street

The fire was quickly put out and no one was injured.

January 17, 2024

The Iowa City Fire Department responds to a fire at 316 E. Burlington St. in Iowa City on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Iowa City law enforcement responded to a fire on Wednesday at 316 E. Burlington St. The Iowa City Fire Marshal is investigating the fire, which amassed an estimated $75,000 in damages.

Law enforcement told The Daily Iowan the fire was quickly put out and no one was injured. Heavy smoke filled a restaurant on the first floor of the building, police said. The building houses apartments and businesses, including the former location of Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.

Westbound traffic was blocked, and police told residents to avoid the area. Iowa City Public Safety posted about the fire on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 2:46 p.m. The fire was under control by 2:41 p.m., police said.

The fire was in a complex that houses apartments and businesses, including the former location of Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.

ICFD is responding to a fire in the 300 Block of Burlington Street. Westbound traffic is blocked. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/B4jRaJnvzN

— Iowa City Public Safety (@ICPublicSafety) January 17, 2024

Emily Nyberg contributed to this post.

About the Contributors

Sabine Martin, Executive Editor

(she/her/hers)

Sabine Martin is the Executive Editor of The Daily Iowan. She is a senior at the University of Iowa studying journalism and mass communications and international studies. Sabine is also earning a minor in French. As a current member PolitiFact Iowa team, Sabine was previously Managing News Editor, News Editor, Summer News Editor, and a News Reporter covering higher education at the DI. Sabine interned for U.S. News and World Report in Washington, D.C. in 2023 as an education reporter and for the Cedar Rapids Gazette in 2022.

Emily Nyberg, Visual Editor

(she/her/hers)

Emily Nyberg is a second-year student at the University of Iowa double majoring in Journalism and Cinematic arts. Prior to her role as a Visual Editor, Emily was a Photojournalist, and a News Reporter covering higher education.