Alvord, Iowa — A side-by-side UTV was destroyed in a fire on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, near Alvord.
According to Alvord Fire Chief Tanner Van Middendorp, at about 7:30 p.m., the Alvord Fire Department was called to the report of a side-by-side on fire near a shed at 2105 190th Street, four miles west and two north of Alvord.
When they got there, the chief says the fire department saw the side-by-side fully engulfed. He says they used water and foam to fight the fire.
Van Middendorp says no injuries were reported to people, pets, or livestock.
He says the cause of the fire is undetermined.
Chief Van Middendorp reports that the side-by-side was totaled in the blaze.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about 20 minutes.
The day before — on Tuesday, Alton and Orange City firefighters were called to the report of a semi smoking on Highway 60.
Alton Fire Chief Quintin Van Es tells us that when firefighters arrived, there was only light smoke coming from under the cab of the truck. He says the truck driver had emptied a fire extinguisher on the fire and was able to knock down the fire quickly.
He says firefighters performed overhaul procedures to ensure there was no fire extension to other areas of the cab/sleeper and to ensure the fire did not reignite.
Van Es says that fire originated at the battery compartment, with damage contained to that area.
No injuries were reported.
He says along with Alton and Orange City firefighters, the Alton Ambulance Squad and the Orange City/Alton Police Department assisted with the response to the fire.
