UPDATE: At approximately 12:30 PM, Albia Fire Chief John Freshwater told Ottumwa Radio News the fire has been contained and did not spread to adjacent buildings. Freshwater also shared that the apartments’ occupants have not all been accounted for.
Original story
Firefighters from Albia and surrounding communities converged in the Albia square to battle a blaze that started Monday morning.
Monroe County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Lamb tells Ottumwa Radio News that the fire started at the R.O. Cramer Building on the south side of the Albia square at approximately 8:30 AM.
Four businesses are on the lower floor of the building and Lamb says there are multiple apartment units on the upper floor of the two story structure.
Fire crews from Centerville, Chariton, Eddyville, Bussey, Moravia, and more have joined the Albia Fire Department in battling the blaze.
Lamb says the current focus is to keep the fire contained while making sure the firefighters remain safe.
Ottumwa Radio News will provide updates if and when they become available.
