CLEAR LAKE – A Clear Lake home was destroyed by fire Monday morning.
The Clear Lake Fire Department says that at approximately 1:55 AM on July 5, 2021, the they responded to the report of a house fire on 15-274 Pascal St. on the south side of Clear Lake. The home is owned by Dean Schaefer of rural Mason City and rented by Zeb Reisinger. Initial reports indicated that flames could be seen coming from the home with the possibility of a neighboring home starting to catch on fire. The Clear Lake Fire Department responded with 19 firefighters, 2 medics on 3 engine companies, the fire boat, a squad truck, and an ambulance. The Ventura Fire Department responded with 1 engine company with 5 firefighters. First arriving fire crews found flames coming out of the front side of the home through a sliding glass door with no extension to homes close by. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire, preventing further spread to the neighboring homes.
After an initial investigation, the cause of the fire was determined to be from an overheated power cord to a window air conditioner. The home and contents will be a total loss.
The Clear Lake Fire Department was assisted at the fire by Ventura Fire Department, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department, and Alliant Energy.
The old 18 gauge extension cord trick.