The Omaha Fire Department was dispatched at 12:02 p.m. to a reported structure fire near 20th and Douglas Streets in downtown Omaha. Multiple callers reported smoke and flames visible from the roof of a large building.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames from the roof of a six-story mixed-use building. The property, formerly the Wells Fargo regional corporate office, had since been redeveloped into The Bank Apartments and The Exchange by NuStyle Development. A Wells Fargo branch remained on the building’s first level, with apartments occupying the upper floors.
At 12:07 p.m., the fire was officially declared a working fire, and additional resources were requested, including Light Air 30, Supervisor 1, and the Fire Investigation Unit. Engines 34 and Truck 34 were also dispatched per Battalion Chief approval.
Firefighters quickly deployed a newly commissioned 2024 Pierce ladder truck, which was the first to place water on the fire. This rapid action allowed crews to confine the flames to the roof area and prevented fire extension into the apartment and office levels below. By 12:20 p.m., the fire was reported under control.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported during the incident. Crews continued overhaul operations and remained on-scene into the afternoon. At its peak, the fire response blocked Douglas Street to traffic near 20th Street, with city officials advising motorists to detour to 24th and Harney Streets.
The origin of the fire was determined to be an air conditioning unit on the roof. Investigators reported that the fire spread into portions of the roof structure before being contained. Damage was estimated at $375,000.
Residents of The Exchange and Bank Apartments were not displaced, as the fire damage was limited to the rooftop and mechanical areas. A tenant living in the building later confirmed that their apartment was unaffected.
Sources:
Omaha Scanner: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=835636655258641&set=a.552617793560530
KETV: https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-firefighters-responding-downtown-fire/60758339
WOWT: https://www.wowt.com/2024/05/10/omaha-fire-crews-battling-roof-blaze-downtown-apartment-complex/
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