ROCKWELL, IOWA – Fire crews battled a large blaze at the Sacred Heart parish and school in Rockwell all day Wednesday, and Rockwell Fire Chief Mark Lowe says the plan now is to monitor the site and let the fire burn itself out.
In an update to Rockwell residents Tuesday evening, Chief Lowe said the Rockwell fire department “will continue to monitor the fire thru the night but at this time it was decided to let the fire burn itself out.” The fire was at the Sacred Heart parrish and school, located at 305 Elm Street. The fire started around 7:30 AM and firefighters and other emergency responders have been at the scene ever since. The building has been said to be a total loss.
The process won’t be quick, but he and his fellow firefighters are watching the structure closely.
“This may take a day or two and will be monitored by myself or other members of the department,” he said. “If there is a big flare up that is hazardous to surrounding structures we will knock it down.”
Many area fire departments rushed to the scene to assist Tuesday morning. Chief Low offered his thanks.
“I want to say a huge “THANK YOU! to Mason City Fire Dept, Dougherty Fire Dept, Sheffield Fire Dept, Swaledale Fire Dept, Steve O’Neill and the CERT team, Rockwell-Swaledale EMTS, Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Dept, Iowa State Patrol, Rockwell Police Dept, City of Rockwell, the many volunteers that made food and hot beverages for everyone and lastly the crew of Rockwell Fire Dept. I am proud to say I live in small town Iowa, the support is second to none. THANK YOU ALL! ”
It is a shame this happened. The building was a real asset to the community.
Fantastic job to all involved. With the cold cold weather all of you deserve a slap on the back for a job well done. Again THANK YOU