Burlington, IA- The Burlington Fire Department has announced the conclusion of an investigation into the cause of a fire that killed a Burlington woman.
At 7:02 AM Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Burlington Police and Fire Departments were called to 1126 Washington Street in Burlington for a reported house fire. Firefighters arrived at 7:04 AM and found a two-story wood-frame apartment house with heavy flames showing from the front of the structure. 911 callers reported to dispatchers that there were occupants trapped inside the building. The occupants of apartments one and three were able to escape.
During a search of the building, firefighters located 44-year-old Samantha M. Hoenig in her second-floor apartment. Ms. Hoenig was treated at the scene and transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center where she later died of her injuries. The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s office has determined that Hoenig died as a result of smoke inhalation.
The house, owned by Wilson Rentals of Burlington, sustained extensive damage and is considered a total loss.
Investigators have determined that the fire originated in apartment one on the first floor. The cause of the fire has been ruled undetermined as investigators are unable to rule out careless smoking or overloading of electrical extension cords as possible causes.
