ROCK VALLEY, IOWA – Fire engulfed this remote, Northern Iowa house, as authorities raced to the scene and saved one man, but soon uncovered a grisly discovery.
On Monday, May 19, at 6:09 AM, the Rock Valley Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 report of a residential fire that occurred at 2096 340th Street, seven miles southwest of Rock Valley, Iowa. Upon arrival at the location, Rock Valley Fire discovered the residence to be fully engulfed by fire. Mutual fire assistance was received from fire departments of Hull, Ireton and Sioux Center.
The homeowner, 67-year-old Mike Smit, was transported by the Rock Valley Ambulance to Hegg Health Center for treatment of fire-related injuries. After extinguishing the fire, the body of a female was discovered in the basement area; the female was pronounced deceased by the Sioux County Medical Examiner. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending the investigation and notification of family members.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Rock Valley Fire Chief in conjunction with the Iowa State Fire Marshal.
The Rock Valley Fire Department was assisted by the Rock Valley Ambulance, Hull Fire Department, Ireton Fire Department, Sioux Center Fire Department and Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.