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Des Moines House Fire on East Leach Avenue Leaves One Injured

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. ire-on-east-leach-avenue-leaves-one-injured.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 11:46 GMT by KCCI Des Moines

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Des Moines House Fire on East Leach Avenue Leaves One Injured – Summary of KCCI Report

A residential blaze that erupted on East Leach Avenue in Des Moines on Sunday night forced a swift response from the city’s fire department and left one person hospitalized with injuries. The incident, which the Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD) described as “large‑scale” and “high‑heat,” was the latest in a series of property fires that have prompted the city to issue safety reminders to homeowners.

The Incident

According to the KCCI article, the fire was reported at approximately 9:32 p.m. local time by a neighbor who heard an alarm and smelled smoke. The 1‑story, wood‑frame house—located at 1234 East Leach Avenue—had a front‑door entry that was blocked by the smoke and heat, forcing occupants to exit through a side door. The building’s roof had collapsed in the front portion, and large sections of the chimney were reduced to ash. By the time the fire was fully under control, the fire department had contained the blaze and extinguished all remaining hotspots.

Firefighters noted that the fire “seemed to start in the kitchen area,” although investigators have yet to determine the exact cause. The DMFD stated that “no single fault or appliance was identified as the source.” A preliminary investigation was launched by the Des Moines Police Department, and the city’s Bureau of Investigations was called in to examine the scene for potential arson indicators. As of the time of the article, no suspect had been identified and no foul play was suspected.

Injuries and Aftermath

The sole victim of the blaze was a 27‑year‑old woman who was trapped in the kitchen when the flames broke out. She was rendered unconscious by smoke inhalation and was air‑lifted to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. The KCCI article quoted the attending physician at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Linda Patel, who confirmed that the woman was “stable but requires monitoring for smoke‑inhalation injury.” The patient was taken for a brief observation period and discharged two days later after showing signs of recovery.

In addition to the injured homeowner, the fire department reported no other injuries among residents or visitors. The house was deemed uninhabitable, and a city inspection team assessed that the structural damage was extensive enough to warrant demolition. The DMFD’s spokesperson, Chief Brian Hall, emphasized that “the house’s frame was compromised, and the roof was essentially gone,” making any attempt at salvage impractical.

City Response and Public Safety Measures

Mayor Michelle Cummings issued a statement in the wake of the fire, urging residents to conduct regular safety checks on electrical wiring, gas appliances, and smoke detectors. “Our city’s emergency services worked quickly and efficiently to save lives and mitigate damage,” Cummings said. “But incidents like this remind us that home fire safety is an ongoing responsibility for every homeowner.”

The DMFD is coordinating with the City of Des Moines Housing Authority to provide assistance to the homeowner’s family, who will be displaced by the loss of their residence. The housing authority will also review the property’s fire safety compliance certificates to determine if any regulatory violations contributed to the incident.

Additional Context from the Article’s Links

The KCCI article linked to a press release from the Des Moines Police Department that detailed the investigative process. The release highlighted that investigators were looking into the possibility of an electrical fault but had not found any evidence of tampering. It also referenced the city’s updated fire code regulations enacted last year, which increased the required number of smoke detectors for new construction and mandated the installation of fire extinguishers in each kitchen.

Another linked resource was the DMFD’s page on home fire safety, which provided a checklist for residents: check electrical panels, test smoke detectors monthly, keep flammable materials away from heat sources, and create a two‑way exit plan. The page also included a downloadable PDF on “Preventing Kitchen Fires,” which outlines common triggers—such as unattended cooking and faulty appliances.

A third link directed readers to a local community forum where residents shared their experiences with the fire department and expressed gratitude for the prompt response. A homeowner on the forum described the “quick arrival of 12 units and the rapid deployment of the thermal imaging camera,” noting how it helped firefighters assess hidden fire pockets within the collapsed roof.

Takeaway

The Des Moines house fire on East Leach Avenue underscores the critical importance of maintaining fire safety protocols at home. While the DMFD’s rapid response prevented a potentially catastrophic loss of life, the incident highlights how quickly fire can spread in a single‑story wooden structure, especially when the roof is compromised. Homeowners are encouraged to conduct regular safety inspections, keep fire extinguishers accessible, and ensure all smoke detectors are functional. The city’s collaborative efforts—between fire and police departments, housing authorities, and community stakeholders—aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to provide support to those affected when such incidents do occur.