FORT DODGE – Brave emergency rescuers and firefighters scaled the side of a burning brick building in Fort Dodge to rescue a woman from the inferno, but other victims were not so lucky.
On November 17, 2024, at 2:21 AM, the Fort Dodge fire department was dispatched to 12th Street and Central Avenue for a structure fire. Dispatch advised occupants were still inside the building and that there were heavy fire conditions showing.
Units arrived on scene and began an offensive attack. Bystanders and police officers reported to units that a female occupant was leaning out of a third floor window. Ground ladders were pulled from the apparatus simultaneously as a hydrant supply line was put in place. Firefighters made contact with the victim and assisted in her extrication from the building.
With heavy smoke pouring out of the room she was in, and heavy fire in the unit directly adjacent, time was a factor in the victim’s survivability. The victim was brought down the ladder and was moved away from the structure. Hose lines were stretched into the building to begin containing the fire.
Firefighters advanced to the third floor and found large amounts of fire in the front of the building and throughout the attic spaces. Another occupant was removed by firefighters from the first floor. Triaging of victims began at that time. Two victims were transported by Fort Dodge Ambulances, one of them being in critical condition. It was reported that a total of 6 were treated for smoke inhalation injuries or burns. One victim was later airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals with serious injuries. A third alarm was requested by incident command, bringing back off duty Fort Dodge firefighters and a request for assistance from Webster City Fire Department was placed as well.
Due to the amount of victims and size of the structure, many resources were required to have a desired outcome.
The Fort Dodge fire department was assisted by Webster County Dispatch, Fort Dodge Police Department, MidAmerican Energy, and Webster City Fire Department. 12 people were displaced from this residence as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
(PHOTOS via FDFD.)
