MASON CITY – A house fire Thursday morning in Mason City led to flames, smoke, some barricaded streets and the discovery of squalor and possible illicit drugs.
The fire was at 224 6th Place S.E., owned by Anna May Dodge, records show. The fire was reported at about 2:27 AM after a passerby, on his way to YesWay, saw flames and dark smoke coming from the house. The house owner told firefighters that the house is vacant and the previous renter was evicted about 3 weeks ago. A report says firefighters found a discarded lighter right in the area of fire origin. The living room / kitchen area was covered with trash, beer cans, drug paraphernalia and possible illicit drugs.
As firefighters arrived, Sixth Place and S. Jersey was blocked off and surrounding blocks were barricaded. Heavy smoke was coming out of the front door, smoke was also coming out of the eves and side 2nd story windows. Flames were seen inside the structure. A report states that a window was broken out and water applied to the fire. Mason City Firefighters were able to put out the fire quickly. Mason City Police Officers were going around asking questions to see if anyone saw anything unusual.
Possible cause of fire was smoking materials discarded in the trash. There was just over $5,000 damage to the house and contents, a report says.
