UPDATE 3:00 p.m.
There have been three fireworks related fires in Cedar Rapids since May. Greg Buelow with Cedar Rapods Public Safety says fire records show that before 2017 there were three fireworks related fires over the preceding five years. Buelow says it's a notable increase.
ORIGINAL Story:
Fireworks are being blamed for destroying a house in Cedar Rapids last night.
"Sounds like there were some spent fireworks materials placed in the garage. They thought they were safe but instead they started the fire." Cedar Rapids Fire Battalion Chief Jason Andrews tells WHO Radio News.
"The fire engulfed the garage, then spread to the attic and second floor of the house." He says. "With a fire of that nature, that extended that far, we made an effort to fight the fire inside, but as conditions deteriorated I made the decision to pull them (the firefighters) out."
A couple and their children are safe, but there is extensive fire, smoke, and water damage to the house.
Cedar Rapids recently passed a new fireworks ordinance allowing fireworks from June 1 to July 8. Fireworks are suspected in another Cedar Rapids House fire on June 4.