A historic house at 726 W. 6th St., faces emergency demolition following a house fire that Davenport firefighters battled for several hours early Thursday.
The brick house, built circa 1880, was the home of Hans H. and Marie E. Andresen in the late 19th century, according to Community Planning and Economic Development Department documents for the Hamburg Historical District nomination. Hans Andresen was the president of the German Savings Bank. Firefighters arrived to find fire showing on the second floor of the three-story, single family residence, according to District Chief Mike Ryan. The home had been vacant for some time and had structural issues.
As fire quickly spread to the third floor, Chief Ryan ordered a defensive operation due to the size of the fire, structural concerns and the vacancy of the house.
Mid-American Energy Company was called to disconnect power to an overhead power line because a power pole caught fire.
Once the fire was brought under control, firefighters remained on scene to douse hot spots.
Davenport Fire Marshal Jim Morris says the fire is suspicious and is being treated as a criminal investigation. No injuries were reported. Public Works employees set up barricades for scene safety and work is underway to secure emergency demolition.
