MASON CITY – The Mason City Fire Department responded to a fire call at the IOOF Home early Monday morning.
Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin said today that a fire was reported at the IOOF Home & Community Therapy Center, located at 1037 19th Street SW at 5:09 AM this morning. The fire was called in by an employee of the IOOF Home, he said. The employee reported smelling smoke and seeing smoke in the attic.
Firefighters responded, and light smoke was showing in the attic area when they entered that area. Smoldering cellulose insulation was found next to a recessed light fixture near the main entrance. Ceiling sheetrock was pulled to expose the smoldering cellulose insulation. There was moderate fire damage to the ceiling joists next to the recessed light fixture and cellulose insulation was also smoldering near the light fixture.
The cause of the fire was cellulose insulation sprayed next to recessed light fixtures that required a 3 inch airspace around the light fixture.
Firefighters remained on scene until 6:30 am.
The building is owned by Grand Lodge of Iowa.
I am glad this was not to bad. It could have been real serious if they had to take all those people out of the building.