(Le Mars) — Twelve people are now without a home as a fire destroyed a victorian style home converted to apartments. Fire broke out at about 12:40 p.m. Monday afternoon with smoke that could be seen for several blocks. The structure is located at 335 3rd Avenue S.E. and sits across the street from the Franklin Elementary School. Le Mars and Merrill Fire Departments responded to the blaze with additional support from Orange City aerial truck.
It was four hours before fire officials were able to control the blaze. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says the fire forced fire officials to take a “defensive” move to contain the fire.
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The building was listed as a total loss with damages expected to exceed $100,000. Schipper says all the tenants were able to escape the blaze and there were no injuries. Schipper says he had concerns about neighboring homes and he made the decision to battle the blaze from the top – down.
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Fire officials were able to rescue a cat from the burning structure. The cause of the fire is uncertain and is under investigation. Assisting with the fire was the Merrill and Orange City Fire Departments, Plymouth County Sheriff’s office, Le Mars Police, Le Mars Water Department, Le Mars Ambulance, Iowa State Patrol, and the City of Le Mars Street Department.
