(Le Mars) — Fire destroyed a two-story farm house Sunday afternoon located at 23804 county road C-16, about 14 miles to the northwest of Le Mars.
Firefighters from Le Mars, Ireton, Akron, Hawarden, Sioux Center, and Maurice responded to the blaze that was reported at about 5:45 p.m. Fire fighters had to contend with strong southerly winds that helped drive the fire to the main portion of the home. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper explains the scene.
The home is owned by Melvin Plueger, who with his wife were able to escape the burning structure. Schipper says the fire started as a result of embers blowing from a nearby burn pile.
The Le Mars Fire Chief explains the path of the fire and how it had quickly spread.
Schipper says crews from Ireton and Le Mars attacked the fire from both outside and inside the home.
The old house is a total loss, and Schipper estimates the loss at nearly $250,000. There were no injuries associated with the fire. The American Red Cross has arrived on the scene to help the displaced family members. Also responding to the fire were crews from the North West Rural Electric Cooperative, and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.