MASON CITY – A small house fire on South President Avenue early Wednesday morning harmed no one but caused several thousand dollars worth of damage.
According to a report, a small fire was reported at 636 South President Avenue at about 1:51 AM on November 20th. As Mason City fire fighters arrived, they were alerted that everyone was out of the house and there was no smoke or fire showing. The resident of the house stated that there was fire of some kind in the ceiling, above the two 2nd floor bedrooms on the east side of the house.
On entry, fire fighters found a light haze of smoke on the second floor. There were two visible scorch marks on the dividing wall between the two bedrooms. Fire fighters breached the wall and ceiling at the char marks and discovered a small area of fire in the ceiling. The fire was extinguished with a water extinguisher. An overhaul was conducted by pulling cellulose insulation down from the burned area. Entry into the ceiling was made from both bedrooms.
Fire Marshal Mark Christiansen was called to scene to conduct an investigation. The Red Cross was contacted and arrangements were made for overnight accommodations for the residents.
The cause of the fire was listed as failure of equipment or heat source from electrical wiring that ignited wood framing of the house.
About $7,000 worth of damage was reported in the incident.
Fred and Darlene Gildner are the owners of the property. They own at least 29 rental and investment properties in Mason City.
