MASON CITY – An accidental fire at the former Globe Gazette building in Mason City was quickly extinguished by responding firefighters on Sunday afternoon.
According to Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin, on August 4, 2024, at 12:51 PM, the Mason City Fire Department responded to 300 N. Washington Ave. for a report of black smoke coming from the roof and vents of the building. On their arrival, fire department crews found light gray/brown smoke coming from the second story HVAC room. Mason City Fire Department staff entered the building, and quickly extinguished the fire. The building was ventilated of smoke and carbon monoxide using large ventilation fans. There was little fire damage to the building as most of the building’s combustible products were removed for a future remodel of the structure. A contractor was on site, removing the HVAC system with a cutting torch when debris and rubber gasket material in the HVCA ductwork started on fire.
Alliant Energy assisted by securing the utilities to the building and the Mason City Police Department assisted with traffic control, as fire department had to lay water supply hose from a hydrant to the fire engine across the south bound lanes of HWY 65/Washington Ave.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature, from the contractor using a cutting torch on the HVAC system.
As a reminder, drivers are urged to exercise caution around emergency scenes by driving slower, moving away from emergency vehicles, watching for pedestrians and emergency responders, never driving over fire department hose lines, and following temporary detours. The citizens’ help on this is greatly appreciated! Emergency responders are aware of the inconvenience of closing roads and try to get traffic back to normal as quickly as possible for the safety of everyone.
Fire Department personnel remained on scene until 2:47 p.m.