Insurer Sues Owners of Iowa Burned Building

An insurance company that owns structures next to a downtown Younkers, Iowa, building ravaged by fire last year has a filed a lawsuit against the building’s owners and the companies responsible for its renovation.

In the lawsuit, EMC Insurance alleges Johnston-based Hansen Co., Madison, Wis.-based Alexander Co. and the owners of the 115-year-old building failed to take precautions that could have prevented the fire last March.

EMC spokeswoman Jessica Zopf says heat from the flames that engulfed the structure caused about $8 million in damages to two adjacent buildings owned by the insurance company.

The Des Moines Register’s attempts for comment from defense attorneys were declined or went unanswered.

The lawsuit, which was filed in December, seeks damages and attorney fees, as well as additional damages designated for a defendant’s wrongdoing.