FORT DODGE – A stately yet vacant Fort Dodge house was found to be engulfed in flames Saturday morning, sending crews of firefighters scurrying to control the heat.
At 3:18 AM Saturday morning, November 16, 2024, the Fort Dodge Fire Department was dispatched for a house with flames seen coming out of the second story at the intersection of 7th Ave North and North 16th Street. Dispatch reported the residence was supposed to be vacant.
Fire units responded, when Car 2 arrived on scene a report of a working structure fire was given and offensive attack mode was called for. A second alarm was called along with MidAmerican Energy. Initially, Engine 1 crew stretched one attack line and later a second line was pulled. Engine 11 and Medic 2 crews made forcible entry on both a front and rear door. Medic 3 crew helped secure a water supply from a nearby hydrant. Second alarm firefighters responded to the scene with Ladder 1 and assisted with overhaul and fire suppression.
Once crews were interior, it was noted that the fire had burned a hole in the middle of the second story floor. Primary and secondary searches were completed and no person or pets were located in the residence.
Initially, attack crews were able to swiftly knock down the fire. Due to the layout of the residence, significant overhaul needed to be done which revealed there was still fire in the attic spaces. Crews were able to locate attic fires by cutting holes in the roof.
After approximately 3 hours on scene, it was determined that all fire and heat sources were extinguished.
There were no injuries reported during this incident.
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, the fire department said.
(PHOTOS via FDFD:)
