(photo from city of Ames)
Ames Fire Department responded to a tent fire outside of Hilton Coliseum early morning today (Friday Jan. 22). There were no injuries, and the fire was extinguished quickly using approximately 50 gallons of water.
The fire was reported around 3:30 a.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered flames coming from two 10-foot by 10-foot shade structures that had been pushed together to make a 10-foot by 20-foot space. The sides had been draped in plastic tarps, and the interior was being warmed by a propane heater. The cause of the fire was combustible material too close to the heater. Estimated damage of the tents and contents is $1,000.
The tent was one of several currently occupied by Iowa State University students with tickets to the ISU men’s basketball game on Monday, Jan. 25, against the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Students camping around Hilton Coliseum have general admission tickets and are seeking the best seats to watch the game.
Ames firefighters are educating students on the dangers of having plastic, nylon, or other material close to heating elements. “We want the campers to stay safe while they are trying to stay warm,” said Deputy Fire Chief Rich Higgins. “They should make sure any heating devices being used are safe for interior space, and never have a portable heating device in front of an exit.”
The Ames Fire Department recommends never leaving portable heating devices unattended.
…..and that’s why they call the clowns.