MASON CITY — Windblown embers from burning wood logs ignited a corncrib at a Mason City property Wednesday, October 28, 2026, killing animals housed inside and leaving a father and son with burn injuries, according to local authorities.
The Mason City Fire Department responded at approximately 1:03 p.m. to 15756 Spruce Avenue. Dispatch advised responding crews that a corncrib was burning. By the time firefighters arrived, the structure had collapsed, with flames still burning in the debris.
Pigs and two pet dogs die in corncrib fire
The fire department said the corncrib had been used to house pigs and two pet dogs, and that the animals died in the blaze.
An earlier Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office release reported three farm animals died. The fire department did not specify the number of pigs, leaving the total number of animals killed unclear between the two accounts.
The sheriff’s office said the building also contained hay and was completely destroyed. Nearby animal pens sustained damage.
Father and son injured trying to save animals
Property owner Tyler Thies suffered minor burns while trying to extinguish the fire and rescue animals, according to the sheriff’s office. His father also suffered minor burns while helping move animals away from danger.
Mason City Fire Department paramedics treated Thies and transported him to MercyOne Hospital, according to the agencies’ accounts.
The fire department said a second resident was transported by private vehicle. That release did not identify the second resident or specify the destination.
Wind carried embers from burning logs
Fire investigators determined the blaze was accidental. According to the fire department, wood logs were being burned on the property when wind carried embers beyond the intended burning area and ignited the corncrib.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the remaining flames, then worked at the property for more than an hour to put out hot spots and ensure the fire was fully contained.
Wind also complicated the response to a separate Mason City Recycling fire in January 2025, when flames spread to outdoor equipment and surrounding grass. Crews in that incident prevented the fire from reaching adjacent buildings.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office assisted Mason City firefighters at Wednesday’s scene. Authorities said no foul play is suspected.