FORT DODGE, Iowa — A teenager has been arrested and charged for a structure fire at a Fort Dodge townhome complex on Sunday.
Investigation by Fort Dodge Fire Rescue and the State Fire Marshal Division found that a 13-year-old boy was the cause of the fire.
He has been arrested and charged with Reckless Use of Fire, which is a serious misdemeanor.
Occupants were forced to evacuate a Fort Dodge apartment complex following an early morning fire, according to Fort Dodge Fire Rescue.
Fire crews were dispatched to the fire at Westridge Townhomes around 1:20 a.m. Sunday.
When they arrived, crews found "heavy fire conditions" at the back of unit 332, with flames spreading to other apartments and the attic.
Crews began an "aggressive fire attack", along with search and rescue operations. Three hose lines were used to contain the spread of the fire.
Fort Dodge Fire Rescue brought the fire under control around 3 a.m., though crews worked to extinguish hot spots until around 7:30 a.m.
The building contained eight apartments, which housed 14 people and several pets. Only five of the apartments suffered fire damage, but all eight were affected by smoke and water damage.
No injuries were reported after the fire. Fort Dodge Fire Rescue reports the Red Cross is assisting occupants of the building.
The 13-year-old suspect is currently in custody at Central Iowa Detention in Eldora.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.