Brandon, South Dakota — Two people, one a firefighter, and the other the homeowner have died in a fire on Sunday, April 12, 2015 in Brandon, South Dakota.
According to Brandon Fire Chief Gary Lembke, 38-year-old Valley Springs Fire Department Volunteer Firefighter Steven Ackerman died in the fire. Brandon Police Chief David Kull says the homeowner, 47-year-old David Smith was transported to a Sioux Falls hospital where was pronounced dead.
Lembke says about 10:15 PM, the Brandon Fire Department was called to the report of structure fire in the 100 block of Fir Avenue.
About 10:40 PM, authorities say fire crews were ordered to evacuate the building due to deteriorating conditions. Twenty minutes later, they say it became apparent that a Valley Springs firefighter was missing.
Minnehaha County Emergency Manager Lynn DeYoung says firefighters were able to rescue two other people from the home.
Lembke says the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
