BASEMENT FIRE
No one was hurt in a basement fire that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Le Mars, but there was extensive fire and smoke damage. Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief Dave Schipper said in a press release that the fire occurred at 24 4th Street NW, a house owned by Sarah Jenness of Le Mars. Crews were called out around 1:15 pm.
Two people and a dog occupied the home. The occupants were checked out at Floyd Valley Health, While the dog was given oxygen, and was taken to a local vet for examination. Schipper described the fire as dangerous to the crewmen, but no one was hurt. Heavy smoke impeded progress toward finding the fire’s source. They had to retreat when the main floor began to collapse. Firemen then went into the basement to find the source.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. It started in a basement bedroom, most likely by a burning candle, which ignited nearby combustibles. The fire then spread up the basement wall into the kitchen. There was heavy fire damage in two rooms, and smoke damage through the entire home.
Assisting at the scene were Le Mars Police, Plymouth County Sheriffs Department, Mid-American Energy, and the Orange City Fire Department.
