Mason City – July 26, 2012 – The Mason City Fire Department responded to a house fire Thursday, July 26th at approximately 4:40 am.
The fire was discovered by Josh Bendickson, a passer-by who noticed smoke and flames through the attic vent at the front of the residence at 1220 N. Washington Ave. The residence is owned by Viola Price who lives there with her daughter Sharon Anderson. Viola and Sharon were alerted of the fire by Mr. Bendickson who also helped both ladies safely exit the home.
Upon the arrival of the Fire Department, flames were coming from the attic vent and the window air conditioning unit directly below the attic vent. Firefighters performed a search of the home, extinguished the fire, and performed overhaul to check for extension fires. The home sustained significant damage to the attic, roof and a small portion of the second floor. Firefighters were on scene approximately four hours.
Red Cross assisted the residents at the scene and are assisting Viola and Sharon with emergency housing as the residence is not currently inhabitable.
Probable cause of the fire was determined to be electrical wiring in the attic space that overheated and caught cellulose insulation on fire, which then spread to the rest of the attic structure.
