STORM LAKE, IA (Northwestiowanow) — An abandoned home east of Storm Lake went up in flames Thursday night, drawing a large emergency response.
Authorities say a passerby reported the fire around 9:30 p.m. at 1257 660th Street. When crews arrived, they found the two-story, turn-of-the-century style house fully engulfed.
Storm Lake firefighters immediately requested water support from Newell and Early Fire Departments. Power to the property was shut off by MidAmerican Energy as a safety precaution.
Once the fire was under control, an excavator was brought in to tear down smoldering sections that posed a collapse hazard. Fire crews used thermal imaging cameras to check for hotspots before clearing the scene.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Assisting agencies included Newell Fire Department, Early Fire Department, Buena Vista County Maintenance Secondary Roads, MidAmerican Energy, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center ambulances, and the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office.
