On May 7th, at 5:04 pm, the Mason City Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire with possible explosion at 124 1/2 15th St NE. Firefighters arrived at 5:08 p.m. to find flames and smoke showing from the north and east sides of the structure.
Swift action by firefighters led to the successful extinguishing of the fire, preventing extension into the rest of the structure, while simultaneous search and rescue operations were conducted in the adjacent apartment. All occupants managed to evacuate the premises prior to the arrival of fire crews, with pets being rescued from both apartments by firefighters. One pet was transported by the owner to a veterinarian for urgent care.
The incident resulted in significant fire and structural damage to the building, displacing several occupants. Initial investigations suggest the fire was accidental in nature, with the reported explosion traced back to a butane fuel refill canister within the structure.
Preliminary assessments indicate an estimated loss of $60,000 to property and contents.
Alliant Energy, Mason City Police Department, and the North Iowa CERT assisted the Mason City Fire Department.
All Mason City Fire Departments apparatus cleared the scene at 6:35 pm, Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin said.
