On Sunday Night May 31, 2026, at 11:34pm the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department was called to a barn fire at 26132 Marble Ave. in rural Le Mars. The barn is owned by Andy Britt. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire coming from the front of the building and roof of the chicken barn. Firefighters attacked the fire with one hose line through the front west door, and a second hose line was used on the roof. Firefighters made entry in the front west side of the building after slowing the fire and were able to control the fire. Extensive overhaul and ventilation had to be accomplished to completely extinguish the blaze. The fire started on the main floor of the barn and spread through the attic space above a double-layer tin ceiling and insulation. The owner was home at the time of the fire and noticed the fire coming from the barn and called 911. Buildings on both sides of the fire building were saved and not damaged by the fire. Firefighters were on scene for over three hours putting out the fire, ventilating and investigating. The barn is unusable at this time due to the damage. The Orange City Fire Department was called to Le Mars to stand by in case of another fire call. Le Mars had four trucks and 15 personnel at the scene.
The origin of this fire was determined to be located in the west side of the chicken barn on the main floor and spread into the attic. The fire moved across the attic to the back of the building. The cause of the fire was determined to be ACCIDENTAL. The most probable cause of the fire was an electrical equipment malfunction with a heat lamp that was in use on some baby chickens. The contents, including the chickens, were lost in the fire. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at over $100,000.00.
The Fire-Rescue Department reminds everyone to be especially careful when using alternate heating sources.
The Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department would like to thank the Orange City Fire Department, and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office who assisted at the fire scene
