Crews Respond to Commercial Fire at Knoxville Laundry Facility

Firefighters extinguish blaze in dryer, building sustains minimal damage

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Emergency crews responded to a commercial structure fire at a laundry facility in Knoxville, Iowa on Friday evening. Firefighters from the Knoxville Fire Department and surrounding departments were able to quickly extinguish the fire, which was contained to a single dryer. The building only sustained minor damage and the business remains open.

Why it matters

Rapid response and containment of the fire prevented more extensive damage to the commercial property and allowed the business to continue operating with minimal disruption. The incident highlights the importance of fire safety protocols and quick action by both emergency responders and the public in mitigating the impact of commercial structure fires.

The details

The fire was reported around 6:00 pm on Friday at a laundry facility on the 200 block of N Third St. in Knoxville. Firefighters from the Knoxville Fire Department arrived to find heavy smoke throughout the building. A working fire assignment was called, bringing in additional crews from neighboring departments. Firefighters were able to locate and extinguish the fire, which was contained to a single dryer. The building was ventilated, and crews checked for any further extension of the fire before clearing the scene.

  • The fire was reported around 6:00 pm on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Firefighters arrived on scene and extinguished the fire shortly after.

The players

Knoxville Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the commercial structure fire and led the firefighting efforts.

Knoxville Township Fire Department

A neighboring fire department that provided additional resources and support to the Knoxville Fire Department in responding to the incident.

Pella EMS

The emergency medical services provider that assisted at the scene.

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The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of fire safety protocols, quick emergency response, and community vigilance in minimizing the impact of commercial structure fires. The rapid containment of the fire and limited damage allowed the business to continue operations with minimal disruption, highlighting the value of preparedness and effective emergency management.