A small fire started in the State Theater in Washington, Iowa, around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. The fire was reported when smoke and flames were seen coming from the second floor; the quick call and close proximity of the town’s volunteer fire department helped keep damages to a minimum. Repairs were made in the winter months, with a grand re-opening held April 30, 2011. Funds are being raised to restore the theater’s exterior to its original design. One of the longest continually-operating movie houses in the state, the State Theater opened as an opera house in 1893.