Investigators Look for Cause of Burlington, Iowa, Historic Building Fire

Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire that damaged a historic, five-story building in downtown Burlington.

Witnesses noticed heavy smoke billowing from the Tama Building about 11 a.m. on Nov. 29. No injuries were reported.

The building, which dates back to 1870, houses the Third Street Pub.

Firefighters remained on the scene into early Nov. 30, putting out hot spots. Fire Chief Thomas Clements told The Hawk Eye that the basement was filling with water and the main floor, which houses the restaurant, was caving in.

Clements says the bulk of the damage appears to be in the restaurant, its basement and a banquet room next door.

The building is one of a handful of historic brick buildings in the city, which is located in southeastern Iowa along the Mississippi River.

Information from: The Des Moines Register