On January 20, at 5:26 PM, Sioux County Communications received a 9-1-1 report of a structure fire at 207 10th Street, Alton, IA. The Alton Fire Department arrived to find heavy smoke and visible flames, initiating mutual assistance from nearby fire departments.
Two individuals were safely evacuated and assessed by EMTs from Alton Ambulance. Firefighters entered the building, quickly extinguishing the fire at the front entrance. A second team of firefighters relieved the first crew to tackle flames in a rear loft area. A third team of firefighters was sent into the structure to work on fully extinguishing the main level fire. The fire was under control by 6:48 PM, but the building’s interior was a complete loss. Extreme below zero temperatures at the time made firefighting efforts extremely challenging and taxing for firefighters and responding emergency personnel.
No injuries were reported among residents or emergency personnel. Sadly, a family pet succumbed to smoke inhalation. Adjacent buildings were spared from damage.
The Alton Fire Department received assistance from Alton Ambulance, Orange City Fire Department, Orange City Ambulance, Sioux Center Fire Department, Orange City/Alton Police Department, Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Alton.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation. The department extends gratitude to local businesses, citizens, and the fire department’s spouses for providing heaters, hand warmers, hot drinks, and food for emergency responders.