Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) in Marshalltown resumed normal operations shortly after a brief, external fire started in a contractor’s maintenance vehicle on Monday night operating outside the Malloy Building Atha Dining Facility.

No residents were injured in the incident. Two immediately responding staff members went to the emergency room to be assessed for signs of smoke inhalation. Both were assessed and released.

All building residents were returned to their rooms after a brief evacuation and ‘all clear’ granted by Marshalltown first responders, indicating no cause for concern of further risk to residents or staff.

At about 10 p.m., a maintenance contractor was conducting hood-cleaning operations for the Atha Dining Room kitchen outside the Malloy Building when equipment in the vehicle unexpectedly caught fire. Emergency responders and staff were notified. Staff immediately executed prescribed and rehearsed fire safety procedures and Marshalltown first responders were on the scene within minutes. In the meantime, the building’s HVAC system drew in some of the smoke, initiating evacuation procedures. Residents in the affected area were evacuated to a non-affected area of the building. The Marshalltown Fire Department extinguished the fire upon arrival and deemed the situation safe to resume normal operations before midnight. Further details are still under investigation and IVH will conduct a thorough review of safety measures, but at this time it appears all standards and practices were followed in accordance with emergency plans.

“The safety of our residents and staff is always a top priority. IVH is tremendously grateful no one was hurt and for the incredible response of our Marshalltown first responders and the priority they provide our facility. We are proud of our staff dealing with this situation. Their absolute professionalism while reacting to emergencies like this is a testament to their dedication to our residents and why IVH is the best place in the state for Iowa’s veterans and eligible families,” Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Spokesman Karl Lettow said.