Field fire on Lake Macbride shore spreads to nearby structure

Multiple agencies respond to blaze that started in vegetation and spread to a building

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A vegetation fire on the shores of Lake Macbride in Iowa spread to a nearby structure on Friday afternoon, leading to a multi-agency response from firefighters in Solon, North Liberty, Swisher, Iowa City, Ely, and Mount Vernon, as well as the Johnson County Ambulance Service. The initial box alarm was reported just before 1:30 p.m. at 4025 Crest View Road NE along the lake's north shore.

Why it matters

Fires that start in fields or vegetation and spread to nearby buildings are a common concern in rural and semi-rural areas, requiring a coordinated response from multiple fire departments to contain the blaze and protect surrounding structures. The location of this fire, along the popular Lake Macbride recreation area, also raises questions about the potential impact on the local environment and wildlife.

The details

The fire reportedly started in vegetation on the shore of Lake Macbride and then spread to a nearby building. Firefighters from several local departments responded to the scene to battle the blaze, but further details on the extent of the damage or what may have caused the initial fire were not immediately available.

  • The box alarm was first reported just before 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Solon Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the initial call and coordinated the multi-agency firefighting effort.

North Liberty Fire Department

One of the neighboring fire departments that sent crews to assist in battling the blaze.

Johnson County Ambulance Service

The local emergency medical services provider that responded to the scene to provide any necessary medical support.

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What’s next

The Solon Fire Department is expected to provide more details on the fire and its aftermath in the coming days as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of coordinated emergency response between neighboring fire departments, especially in rural areas where vegetation fires can quickly spread and threaten nearby structures. It also underscores the need for vigilance and fire prevention measures around popular recreational areas like Lake Macbride.