On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 6:43pm the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was called to a house fire at 3311 Sadona Hills South. This is on the southwest side of Le Mars close to NIPCO corner. The house is owned and occupied by the Bryce and Janelle Raveling family of Le Mars. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from west side back of the house. Firefighters attacked the fire from a defensive position initially in the back of the house as the fire was spreading to the roofline of the home and a covered back deck. Firefighters knocked down the fire and then made entry into the front of the home. Firefighters were forced back out of the home when part of the main floor flashed over. Firefighters fought the fire through windows and once again slowed the fire and then made entry a second time. Firefighters were able to get control of the fire after an aggressive interior attack. Three handlines were used to control the blaze and ladder trucks were up and positioned in case the fire would have broken through the roof. No one was home at the time of the fire and a dog and cat both escaped unharmed. Two firefighters were injured. One with back pain and one who fell partially through a floor and was immediately assisted by other firefighters. Both firefighters were treated at the scene and are ok. Firefighters had to ventilate the entire home and overhaul the home. Firefighters were on scene for around three and a half hours fighting this fire, doing overhaul and investigating. The home has been red tagged unlivable. The main floor of the home and the contents on the main floor are possibly a total loss.
The origin of this fire was determined to be located in the master bedroom of the home. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. The most probable cause of the fire was lithium batteries that exploded while being charged. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $475,000.00.
The Fire-Rescue Department reminds everyone to charge lithium batteries and lithium battery devices on a hard non-combustible surface. Lithium battery issues and the charging of these are causing fire more and more nationwide in bikes, scooters, cell phones, massage machines, and vehicles.
While fighting this fire, the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department also had three ambulance calls in the city.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was assisted at the scene by the Le Mars Police, Plymouth County Sheriff, Orange City Fire-Rescue, Sioux Center Fire-Rescue, Merrill Ambulance and R.E.C.
photo credit: Brian Nitzsche, Le Mars Fire Resxcue
