On August 30th, 2026, at 2:38 a.m., the Burlington Fire Department was initially dispatched to a medical emergency at 1228 Madison Avenue in Burlington. At 2:40 a.m., the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response. Fire crews arrived on scene within four minutes of the initial dispatch alarm and observed smoke emanating from the first floor of the residence. Firefighters immediately initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and conducted primary search operations to locate and remove any occupants who may have remained inside the structure.
The residence, owned by Wayne and Diina Heckethorn, was insured and occupied at the time of the incident by one adult and one juvenile. During search operations, firefighters located one individual inside the two-story home. Despite firefighters’ efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
The Burlington Fire Department was assisted by the West Burlington Fire Department, Alliant Energy and Gas, Burlington Police Department, Burlington Police Criminal Investigation Division, Clean Restoration, Des Moines County Medical Examiners Office, Lunnings Funeral Home, and DESCOM.
The residence was equipped with functional smoke alarms, which were operational at the time of the incident.
Following the investigation, the fire cause was determined to be accidental. The fire is not considered suspicious. Any further updates will released by the Fire Marshal as they become available.
***Courtesy of Robert Berndt, Fire Marshal Burlington Fire Department***
