Sheldon, Iowa — A unoccupied house in southern Sheldon was destroyed Wednesday afternoon in a blaze that officials call “suspicious.”
According to Sheldon Fire Chief Brad Hindt, around 4:15 Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were called to the report of a house fire at 1302 South 5th Avenue.
When firefighters arrived on scene, Hindt says they found a heavy fire extending out the front of the house and fire rolling across the ceiling on the main floor of the structure. He says firefighters made an exterior attack with two hand lines knocking the fire down and established a water supply since the closest fire hydrant is about two and a half blocks away. Firefighters then continued with an interior attack and put out the remaining fire.
Chief Hindt says an investigation into the cause of the fire was started by a fire investigator, officers from the Sheldon Police Department and firefighters. He says once the investigation was completed firefighters continued the overhaul of the house, putting out hidden fires and hotspots.
Firefighters used about 7000 gallons of water and 25 gallons of foam to extinguish the blaze. The house is deemed a total loss, according to Hindt.
Sheldon Fire was assisted by the Hospers Fire Department, Officers from the Sheldon Police Department and Sheldon Community Ambulance Team.
Hindt says the cause of the fire is undetermined and is being ruled as a “suspicious fire.” He says the fire investigation is currently ongoing.
Photo above courtesy Sheldon Fire Co.
KIWA Staff photo
