BOONE, Iowa—An early morning fire in downtown Boone has claimed the life a Boone man.  In a release by Fire Chief Justin Adams, at approximately 5:19 Sunday morning, the Boone County Communication Center received an automated call about a fire alarm at 814 8th Street in the City of Boone.  Shortly after fire department arrived to find heavy fire coming from the 5th floor windows on the south side of the 6 story building.  While fire fighters were making entry into the apartment where the fire originated, a victim was found in the heavily burned apartment.  Fire fighters brought the fire under control with in 45 minutes.

The victim has been identified as 66 year old Steven Michael Crise of Boone.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The fire department was assisted by the Ogden Fire Department, Ames Fire Department, Stratford Fire Department, Gilbert Fire Department Boone Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Boone County Communications, Boone County Hospital Ambulance, Boone County Emergency Management, the Boone County Medical Examiners office, Boone County Search and Rescue, Boone City Public Works, Alliant Energy, Boone Salvation Army and the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Approximately 24 people are displaced along with several pets.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Boone Fire Department, Boone Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s office.

(contributed press release)