(Le Mars) — Firefighters were called the scene of a reported fire at 14614 Meadowlark Avenue, about four miles north of Le Mars. The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to what was described as a commodity shed and silage feed pile that had caught on fire. The call was reported at about 12:55 p.m. this Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters were on the scene for
nearly two and a half hours, and they had to contend with strong north-northwest winds blowing more than 35 mph while trying to contain the fire.
Fire Chief Dave Schipper explains what had happened.
Upon arrival, Schipper says the structure was fully engulfed with flames.
Schipper says the cause of the fire was accidental. Schipper says the fine chopped hay that caught on fire created another challenge for firefighters.
Le Mars did not require any mutual aid with the fire. However, Orange City fire department did come to Le Mars to cover the community in case of any other alarms may have occurred. A previously planned fire alarm was scheduled for Franklin Elementary school and the Orange City Fire Department
assisted with the school with that planned fire alarm. Fire Chief Schipper estimates the damage from Wednesday’s fire at more than $50,000.
