Alvord, Iowa — A hog barn was damaged in a pit gas explosion on Monday, October 20, 2025, near Alvord.
According to Alvord Fire Chief Tanner Van Middendorp, at about 6:30 p.m., the Alvord Fire Department was called to the report of a hog barn fire about a half mile west and about a mile south of Alvord.
When they got there, they encountered a few smoldering spots and smoke, says the chief. He says they used an interior attack and put out the remaining embers in the attic. The fire department was assisted by Inwood firefighters, who provided mutual aid.
Van Middendorp says there was no livestock in the building at the time of the explosion, and no one was injured.
He says it was a pit gas explosion, but it’s not known what sparked it.
Chief Van Middendorp reports that there was major damage, but the building may be able to be repaired.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about two hours.
We asked Van Middendorp how farmers can avoid pit gas explosions. He says it’s important to leave proper ventilation going whenever there’s anything in the pit, whether there are animals in the building or not, especially when the pits are being pumped.
