Officials are investigating an early-morning fire that forced the evacuation of several residents from a Cedar Falls apartment complex near the University of Northern Iowa. Investigators hope to learn more today what sparked the fire at the Hidden Valley Apartments. The complex is located near the College Hill business district just blocks from the U-N-I campus.
Officials say a passerby discovered the fire around 4:15 this morning. Police, who were the first to arrive at the scene, entered the building and began waking up residents. Many of the building’s tenants are students at U-N-I. Police and firefighters evacuated at least three buildings.
Everyone was evacuated safely. No injuries were reported. The fire caused heavy damage to at least one building. Part of the roof was destroyed, and firefighters had to tear down an awning to get control of the flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation.