Sheldon, Iowa — The occupants of a Sheldon home have had to make other arrangements after a house fire in Sheldon on Thursday.
About 5:00 p.m., the Sheldon Fire Company was called to 821 Fourth Street for a report of smoke coming from the basement. According to Sheldon Assistant Fire Chief Brad Hindt, when firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming out of the basement windows and the attic vent. He says the occupants were not home at the time of the fire.
He says firefighters made entry into the house and made their way to the basement and found a small fire in a closet. The fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighters looked for hot spots and ventilated the house.
According to Hindt, there was heavy fire damage to the basement bedroom closet, bedroom, and utility room. There was heavy smoke damage to the whole house. But Hindt says no injuries were reported to humans or pets.
However, he says the house is uninhabitable due to fire and smoke damage.
Hindt tells us the fire is believed to have started in the basement closet, however, the cause at this time is undetermined and under investigation.
Sheldon Fire was assisted on scene by the Sheldon Police Department, SCAT, O’Brien County EMA, the City of Sheldon Water Department and MidAmerican Energy Company. Sheldon firefighters were back in service after about two hours and fifteen minutes.
Hindt says Sheldon Fire asks that you check your smoke alarms and make sure they are in working order.
Picture below by KIWA Staff
