Iowa Fire Damage Will Be Partially Covered

Damage from a fire that recently toppled the gold dome and cupola of Iowa’s Old Capitol building, which was built 160 years ago and served as the state’s first capitol, will be at least partially covered by insurance held by a construction company working on the building.

At least that’s the expectation of the University of Iowa that hired Enviro Safe Air Inc. of North Sioux City, S.D., to remove asbestos as part of an $895,000 renovation of the Old Capitol dome and exterior.

According to the Des Moines Register, Iowa City Fire Marshal Roger Jensen said that an Enviro Safe Air worker accidentally started the fire while using a heat gun and torch. Jensen said that open-flame tools were used to soften a paint-like coating containing bits of asbestos, even though workers had been warned not to use them without proper permits from the university. U of I officials maintain that the workers did not fill out papers to make such a request but Jensen noted that no laws were broken.

The workers were apparently using a heat gun and workman’s torch outside the building near the base of the dome. Jensen speculated that a tool ignited the wood frame or possibly a bird or mouse nest.

Although the building is insured under a university policy, Enviro Safe Air and another contractor were each required to carry $2 million in liability insurance. According to university officials, costs could climb over the $2-million mark.

While it is unclear who will pay any extra amount, the University of Iowa Foundation has raised at least $10,000 to repair the Old Capitol since the fire occurred. If insurance covers the fire damage, the money will be used for completion of the restoration efforts that were ongoing before the fire.

Topics Iowa