CEDAR RAPIDS – An Iowa couple died in a house fire.
Cedar Rapids Firefighters were dispatched at 12:08p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2022 to the 3800 block of Pine Tree Dr NE after a 911 caller reported smoke coming from the windows of a home. First-alarm firefighters arrived on-scene and immediately began firefighting and search operations when witnesses indicated there were people inside. By this time, a 2nd alarm had been activated and more firefighting vehicles and rescue personnel were on-hand. Crews inspected and cleared the main floor of the single-story home and then moved to the lower level where they found fire and two victims. The victims were removed from the lower level and transported outside where they were declared deceased.
Charles Osterkamp, 72, and Sheri Osterkamp, 70, of Cedar Rapids were the only occupants of the home.
No firefighter injuries were reported.