Press Release
June, 16th 2023
At 3:11 PM Friday, June 16th, 2023 the Burlington Fire Department responded to a reported
house fire at 502 S. Leebrick In Burlington, IA. Burlington firefighters arrived at 3:15 PM and
located smoke and fire coming from the rear of the home. Firefighters gained access to the
second floor and had the fire extinguished by 3:30 PM.
The multi-family two-story wood frame house is owned by Yesara LLC which is occupied by
Carol Foust who resides on the first floor and Martavia Maxwell who resides on the second
floor. Damage is estimated at $35,000 to the structure and $20,000 to the contents. Ms.
Maxwell was home at the time of the incident and was alerted by the neighbor. The only
working smoke detector was located in the attic.
The fire is considered accidental due to unintended cooking items on the stovetop.
Eleven initial Burlington firefighters responded to the call with an additional eight off-duty
Burlington firefighters being called in. West Burlington and Mediapolis firefighters responded
on automatic aid. Alliant Energy, American Red Cross, Superior Ambulance, and Burlington
Police Dept. also responded to the scene. There were no injuries reported. Firefighters cleared
the scene at 4:23 PM.
Robert Berndt
Captain