Abandoned Iowa Lumber Yard Catches Fire

A fire in an abandoned Cedar Rapids, Iowa, lumber yard caused significant damage before firefighters were able to control the blaze.

The fire was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday, and it took firefighters more than an hour to control the fire a few blocks west of Interstate-380 in southwest Cedar Rapids.

Officials say some of the streets around the former lumber yard will remain closed through Sunday morning, so heavy equipment can be used to clear debris from the fire.

Several lumber yard buildings on the north side of the facility were consumed in the fire, and at least five garages near the lumber yard were damaged.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. A thunderstorm moved through the area at the time of the fire.