Iowa County Loses Half of Snowplow Fleet to Fire

March 28, 2013

Johnson County has lost about half its snowplow fleet to a fire at a county building on the west side of Iowa City.

Five trucks were damaged in Monday’s fire, and three more are likely a total loss. The cost to replace the vehicles could top $700,000, officials said.

No one was hurt in the blaze. The fire cause is being investigated, but it appears to have started in the garage.

Johnson County Engineer Greg Parker says the county’s remaining dump truck/snowplows and motor graders should be able to handle any spring snowstorms that may hit the area.

County Supervisor Pat Harney says some county records stored in the building’s attic also were damaged or destroyed.