Saturday Fire in Downtown Charles City Closes Neighboring Stores

Saturday (08.23) night’s fire in downtown Charles City disrupts operations of neighboring businesses.

Lisa Richter, owner of Saxony, located next door, says in a Facebook post, her store sustained substantial smoke damage and she is unsure what the next few days to weeks will hold for her women’s clothing store. She appreciates your patience as she works through a situation that has been an “overwhelming shock.”

Richter also thanks the work of firefighters and support crews who stopped the fire from spreading to the entire block. 

Regional Director Amy Hunzelman with Floyd County Extension and Outreach, which shares a wall with the Main Event, says that while fire did not spread to their office,  firefighters were on scene and assisted with a precautionary walk-through. No active fire or heat was detected within the Extension office, however, safety assessments are required before staff can re-enter the building.

Hunzelman adds, “At this time, our office is temporarily closed while the fire department conducts further evaluations to ensure the building is structurally safe. Until the fire department deems the space safe, the ISU Extension and Outreach Floyd County staff will be working remotely or from alternate locations.”

To reach extension staff, email [email protected] or call 641-330-6089.