(Le Mars) — Fire broke out this morning at about 8:12 a.m. on a two-story house located at 234 2nd Avenue southeast. Smoke and flames were visible from the first floor level when fire officials arrived on the scene. Chris Rasmussen was a witness to the fire.
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No one was home at the time the fire was reported, although the fire department was first informed that a female perhaps may have been sleeping in an upstairs bedroom. The fire had spread through the home fairly quickly. Fire officials were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes, however, the structure did suffer an estimated $30,000 in damages. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper says an unattended candle was the cause of the fire.
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Schipper says the fire started on the main level and then spread to the outside wall rising to the second level, burning the house siding.
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There were no injuries associated with the fire. The Orange City Fire Department was called to offer additional assistance. Other enities assisting at the scene were the Le Mars Police Department, Le Mars Ambulance, Plymouth County Sheriff’s office, Mid-American Energy, and the Orange City Fire Department. The American Red Cross has been notified to offer aid to the displaced family.
