Firefighters stand next to the brick building where they extinguished a fire Monday evening in downtown Riverside. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

The fire in downtown Riverside Monday night resulted in the death of one person and injuries to others. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 52-year-old Tracy Lynn Williams of Kalona was transported from the scene by Washington County Ambulance personnel to the University of Iowa Hospital, but was later pronounced dead. Additionally, a firefighter was transported by ambulance to the University hospital for injuries sustained in a fall.

The fire was reported by multiple callers at approximately 8 p.m. Monday night. It started in a brick building at 40 West First Street, on the south side of Highway 22, between Washburn Street and Glasgow Street. As heard live on KCII from the scene Monday evening, crews battled the fire in freezing temperatures while smoke billowed into the street. A ladder truck was used at the scene. West First Street was blocked for hours while crews put out the fire.

Riverside, Ainsworth, Kalona, Hills, and Lone Tree Fire Departments responded to the scene, as well as Riverside Rescue, Washington County Ambulance, Alliant Energy, the State Fire Marshall, and Washington County Sheriff’s personnel. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and is currently under investigation. Further information will be released when it becomes available.