The Orange City Fire Department helped battle a major house fire early Tuesday morning in Le Mars that caused an estimated $350,000 in damage.
Orange City Firefighters Called to Assist
According to the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department, crews were dispatched at 4:09 Tuesday morning to a home at 629 Greenwood Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from the front of the home and through the roof of the single-story structure.
Le Mars crews attacked the fire from both the front and back of the home while also using an aerial ladder to pour water through the roof. Officials say heavy smoke and fire had spread through the living room, attic, and into other portions of the house.
The homeowner, identified as Scott Bricker of Le Mars, was able to escape safely after waking up to smoke and heat and calling 911.
The Orange City Fire Department was called to the scene to assist with additional manpower during the fire response. On Tuesday, the department also shared photos from the scene on social media along with a reminder about fire safety.
In a Facebook post, Orange City firefighters wrote, “Fire does not care if you are rich or poor, old or young — it wants to destroy. Check your smoke detectors and stay safe.”
Firefighters remained on scene for more than two and a half hours. Nearby homes were evacuated as crews worked to contain the blaze.
Fire Ruled Accidental
Investigators say the fire started in the front room of the home before spreading through the attic and toward the kitchen.
According to the release, the fire was ruled accidental. Officials say the likely cause was an electrical equipment malfunction involving a thin extension cord powering two space heaters through a triple adapter.
The home is currently uninhabitable because of the damage.
Le Mars Fire-Rescue also thanked the Orange City Fire Department, Le Mars Police Department, MidAmerican Energy, and Le Mars EMS for assisting during the incident.
