Fire Department Responds To Saturday Evening House Fire

(Le Mars) — Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a house fire Saturday evening at 620 S. Greenwood Drive. The fire was reported at around 9:43 p.m. and unfortunately resulted in a male victim having suffered burn injuries. The address serves as a duplex with two separate residences. Fire Chief Dave Schipper says upon arrival at the scene firefighters saw smoke coming from the structure.

Schipper says fire officials are still conducting an investigation, but apparently, the fire started as a result of a cooking accident.

The victim, who hasn’t been identified, was transported to Floyd Valley Healthcare by the Le Mars Ambulance Services for treatment of the sustained burns, and remains there for additional observation. Schipper talks about the extent of damage as a result of the fire.

Schipper says fire had burned in several rooms, resulting in a lot of soot left in the kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom.  The second unit to the duplex had only minor smoke damage and can still be occupied.  However, the unit that suffered the fire will need additional work before it can be lived in again.  Orange City fire department was called to the scene to offer additional manpower through mutual aid assistance. MidAmerican Energy officials were also called to the home to shut off the gas and power to the residence. Assisting at the scene were the Le Mars Police Department and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.  Firefighters were at the scene for nearly an hour and 45 minutes.  This marks the second time the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department were called to a fire at the address. Several years ago they responded to a Saturday morning fire that also resulted in a victim being burnt.