Iowa Water Company Sued for Fire Damage

Posted by: Curt Varone October 31, 2009 0

The Iowa American Water Company is being sued by two couples who lost their homes to a September 2, 2007 fire. According to the suit, “the Bettendorf Fire Department was unable to open the cap on the nearest fire hydrant", leading to additional damage occuring.

A story in the Quad City Times reported that the fire was the second in a six month period in which hydrant problems contributed to the loss. A prior fire on November 16, 2006 has led to a separate law suit against Iowa American Water, where it is alleged that additional damage occurred when silicone in the water line from a newly installed hydrant clogged nozzles and hoses. It does not appear the fire department is a party to any of the suits.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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