(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a report of a
motorcycle on fire in a garage located at 424 2nd Ave. N.E. The fire was reported
at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
Upon arrival, black smoke was coming from the overhead double garage door which was
open. A motorcycle inside the garage was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters entered the garage through the overhead door and attacked the fire.
The fire was put out very quickly and the garage was ventilated of smoke. The
inside of the garage contained several antique motorcycles and an antique army
jeep. One motorcycle was destroyed and one nearby small motorbike was damaged.
There was heavy smoke throughout the garage. The other several motorcycles should
be salvageable and did not have any fire damage.
Firefighters were on the scene for approximately one hour. The garage and
motorcycles are owned by Richard Schultz of Le Mars.
The cause of the fire was determined to be Accidental. A motorcycle was being
worked on and started when a backfire occurred causing the blaze.
Le Mars Fire-Rescue was assisted at the scene by the Le Mars Police and the Le Mars
Ambulance Crew. Several firefighters were checked by the Ambulance Crew due to the
hot conditions at the time of the fire. No injuries were noted.
Damage is estimated at $5000.00.