Cherokee, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called to investigate a Wedbesdat afternoon fire in downtown Cherokee. The Cherokee Fire Department was dispatched to 219 East Main at 1:15 and quickly called for backup from the Aurelia, Meriden, and Cleghorn fire departments.

The blaze was attacked from both the front and rear of the commercial business, which contained a large amount of combustible material. One crew attempted to make entry but was held back by the intense heat. Two firefighters were evaluated for heat-related issues at the site but were not taken to the hospital for treatment.
Fire crews were on the scene for about four hours.

Also on the scene were the Cherokee Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management, Cherokee Regional Medical Center Ambulance, Cherokee Water and Street Departments, and utility crews from Alliant and MidAmerican.

The initial estimate on fire damage is $1.2 million. The Cherokee County Assessor’s Office lists the owner as Floor Care Specialists Inc.