FORT DODGE – In an effort to keep folks safe, police in Fort Dodge cleared an area near the downtown area after an abandoned pressure cooker raised eyebrows.
At approximately 6:52 AM on December 23, 2025, law enforcement in Fort Dodge located an instant pot type appliance on the south curb in the 800 block of 1st Avenue North. Police described the item as a pressure cooker or a crock pot, perhaps. Out of an abundance of caution, officers did not approach the item until its contents and origins could be determined.
Also as a precaution, the public was asked to avoid the immediate downtown area near the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, even as police claimed “there is no immediate threat to the public” and furthermore, asked the public for any possible tips on the potentially scary item.
At approximately 10:00 AM that morning, the owner of the pressure cooker was identified by a member of the community, and the area was been deemed safe once again for public transportation.
Fort Dodge police thankd the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Fire Department, Fort Dodge Public Works, Iowa State Fire Marshall, Iowa DNE and Webster County Attorney’s office for assisting with the incident.