RUTHVEN, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A member of the Ruthven Fire Department battled a fire at his own home Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters with the Ruthven Fire Department responded to the residence at 1104 Scott Street in Ruthven shortly after 1 p.m.

According to information provided to KICD News Radio at the scene, the homeowner, who is also a member of the Ruthven Fire Department, was taking a shower when he was alerted by a smoke detector.

He then discovered smoke billowing from a closet underneath the stairs.

The firefighter was able to get his dogs out of the home before retrieving a fire truck. Knowing where the fire was located, the homeowner then entered the residence with a nozzle and began fighting the blaze.

Most of the fire damage was contained to the closet underneath the stairs. The lower level of the home sustained smoke damage, while some additional damage was reported upstairs.

The stairs were also damaged and considered unsafe, preventing further access to portions of the home.

No injuries were reported.

The fire remains under investigation, and the extent of the damage remains unknown.

The Ruthven Fire Department thanked the Graettinger and Dickens Fire Departments for assisting at the scene.

Crews were wrapping up operations by early Thursday afternoon.

The Palo Alto County Assessor’s website lists Jonathan Harris as the owner of the property.