(Merrill) — A rural Merrill house had caught on fire early Tuesday morning, causing the family of four to evacuate. Both the Merrill and the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Departments responded to 22971 Impala Avenue, about three miles west of Merrill. Fire was reported at about 12:50 a.m. Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Luesink was on patrol duty when he drove by the home located near county road C-44 and Impala Avenue and saw smoke coming from the roof of the ranch style home.
Merrill Fire Chief Jacob Conley says the fire started at the chimney.
Conley says the damage to the home was mainly confined to the attic and roof area of the structure.
Conley says the family was fortunate to wake up since the house was not equipped with any smoke detectors.
Firefighters were on the scene for approximately two and a half hours. There were no injuries reported. Assisting at the scene were the Merrill Ambulance and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.
