Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
The Iowa American Water Company is being sued by two couples who lost their homes to a September 2, 2007 fire. According to the suit, “the Bettendorf Fire Department was unable to open the cap on the nearest fire hydrant", leading to additional damage occuring.
A story in the Quad City Times reported that the fire was the second in a six month period in which hydrant problems contributed to the loss. A prior fire on November 16, 2006 has led to a separate law suit against Iowa American Water, where it is alleged that additional damage occurred when silicone in the water line from a newly installed hydrant clogged nozzles and hoses. It does not appear the fire department is a party to any of the suits.
