(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department has completed its investigation to the garage and house fire that happened Sunday evening at 18081 Lake Avenue. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says the garage and home sustained more than $250,000 worth of damage, including the loss of two
vehicles that were parked inside the garage. Schipper says the fire was accidental, and was started in the the back of the garage along the west wall on the work bench. Schipper says improperly discarded smoking materials is the cause for the fire.
Original Story:
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department battled flames and the cold temperatures last evening as a structure fire was reported at about 6:19 p.m. As it turned out, a garage was on fire located at 18081 Lake Avenue, or about a half mile west of Le Mars near Highway 3. The garage was attached to the home owned by Randy and Deb Madsen. Fire chief Dave
Schipper says the fire was fully engulfed at the garage, and was quickly spreading to the house.
(photo contributed.)
The fire was reported by neighbors, and when Schipper arrived on the scene, the residents of the home were just getting out, escaping the flames. Firefighters were able to use a pet oxygen mask that was donated to them to rescue the pet cat.
The Orange City Fire Department responded, and was asked to provide mutual aid. Schipper says Orange City is often called because for the need for additional manpower and proper equipment.
Schipper was not able to offer a total damage estimation, or a cause of the fire. He says he will return to the scene this morning to conduct an investigation and determine the cause of the fire. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately three and a half hours.
