On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:40pm the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was called to a house fire at 1004 2nd Ave. S.W. The house is owned and occupied by the Terrance and Candi Jarmuzek family of Le Mars. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the double stall attached garage and roof of the single story ranch structure. Firefighters attacked the fire with one hose line through a side entry door to the garage. There was fire in the garage, and it had extended into the kitchen of the home. A second hose line was put into service into the home. The fire was extinguished in the garage, kitchen and attic of the home. Firefighters then had to ventilate the home with a pressure ventilation fan. The family dog, and two cats were rescued by firefighters from the home. One cat was administered oxygen on the scene. Three juvenile boys were in the home at the time of the fire and were able to get out on their own and call 911. Firefighters were on scene for over two hours putting out the fire, ventilating and investigating. The home is not able to be occupied at this time due to the damage.
The origin of this fire was determined to be located in the garage of the home and then spread to the kitchen through an open door between the garage and the kitchen. The cause of the fire was determined to be reckless use of fire with a flammable liquid. Damage to the structure contents is estimated at $100,000.00. The house is insured.
The Fire-Rescue Department reminds everyone to be especially careful with flammable liquids inside of buildings or structures. Keep heat sources away from combustible and flammable materials.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department would like to thank the Le Mars Police and MidAmerican Energy who assisted at the scene.
It should be noted that during this fire, the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department also responded to a separate rescue call at a different location.
