Iowa City Fire Damages Businesses, Apartments

A fire and explosion at an Iowa City, Iowa apartment has caused damage to several businesses.

A statement from the Iowa City fire department says the fire was reported just after 2 a.m. Saturday by the resident of the second-story apartment, which sits above a bagel shop. Firefighters were forced to fight the blaze from outside after an explosion believed by fire officials to have been caused by a backdraft.

The fire department says the fire spread to a nearby building and at least three others in the area sustained smoke and water damage. Many of the buildings house businesses and apartments.

In addition to Iowa City, 11 other fire departments were called in to fight the blaze.

One apartment residents was treated at the scene. No other injuries were reported.