FORT DODGE – A scary Fort Dodge house fire left two folks with serious injuries and two dogs tragically did not survive.
On October 16, 2024, Fort Dodge Fire Rescue was dispatched to 212 S. 16th Street for a house fire with a male trapped out on the roof. Fire crews arrived in 2 minutes to find a large volume of fire coming from first floor windows at the rear of the house. One adult male was trapped on the roof after escaping from a 2nd floor window to the roof. Two other occupants were in front of the home and advised crews a female was still in the house.
Fire crews began an aggressive fire attack and search and rescue operation. A ladder was extended to the roof to remove the occupant trapped on the roof, and fire medics began providing treatment for two occupants suffering from serious smoke inhalation. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and several searches of the house were conducted.
It was later discovered the female occupant had escaped on her own. Crews did find and remove two dogs that unfortunately did not survive.
The two occupants of the house with inhalation injuries were transported by ambulance to Unity Point Fort Dodge. One occupant has been transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals due to the seriousness of their injuries.
The kitchen and a porch area suffered severe fire damage and the rest of the home suffered heavy heat and smoke damage.