OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to a structure fire in the 500 block of Church Street. Crews arrived to find smoke in the building at 529 Church Street, but had a difficult time locating the fire. The fire was located in the cockloft, or small attic area, of the building. The fire quickly advanced to a three-alarm fire. Off duty City of Ottumwa Firefighters were recalled and resources from county fire departments were requested. An ORMICS ambulance provided coverage at the scene, as well. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation of a non-life-threatening injury. Several residents were displaced due to the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.