Iowa City Fire Chief reports 161 incidents in University Heights; council renews fire-services agreement

Chief Scott Lyon of the Iowa City Fire Department presented the department’s 2025 operations summary for University Heights during the June 9 council meeting.

The chief said the department responded to 161 unique incidents in University Heights in 2025 that generated 181 total unit responses — reflecting multiple-unit responses to single events. He gave a breakdown: about 95 medical calls, 43 non-emergency calls (for example smoke-detector battery changes or investigations that proved non-emergent), 13 commercial alarm activations, two confirmed fires requiring extinguishing operations, and eight hazmat/other calls (generally small-scale fluid cleanup after crashes). Chief Lyon noted that the Iowa City Fire Department handles roughly 10,000 calls for service systemwide and that the University Heights share is consistent with normal call mixes.

The chief also said the department holds an ISO Insurance Services rating of Class 2 and described capital plans that include design funds toward a replacement fire station and imminent delivery of three new engines.

Following the report, council considered resolution 2625 to renew the existing 28E intergovernmental agreement with Iowa City (original agreement entered in 2016, renewed in 2021). Steve explained staff recommended extending the agreement under the same terms for an additional five years through June 30, 2031. The council approved the renewal by roll call (motion carries 4-0-1).

Chief Lyon thanked the council for the partnership and said the department is pleased to provide services to University Heights residents.