Iowa Complex Under Construction Destroyed by Fire

A complex of apartments and commercial space that was under construction in Cedar Rapids has been destroyed by fire.

The Cedar Rapids fire department says the blaze at the two-story building was reported early Saturday morning. Flames and smoke were visible for several miles as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Most flames were extinguished in about an hour.

No injuries were reported. About 40 residents of a nearby apartment building were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire department says the fire also damaged three vehicles, and heat from the blaze melted siding on a nearby house and blew out five windows at an adjacent apartment building.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The complex was to have housed 22 apartments, a restaurant and a convenience store.