Fire damages attached garage at rural Emerson residence

EMERSON, Iowa — Firefighters from four departments responded Thursday afternoon to a residential structure fire in rural Emerson.

According to information provided by Emerson Fire Chief John Bruce, Emerson Fire/Rescue, Red Oak Fire/Rescue, the Hastings Fire Department and the Henderson Fire Department were dispatched at approximately 4:38 p.m. September 3 to a residence north of Highway 34 on 390th Street.

First-arriving firefighters reported smoke and flames coming from the attached garage. The report was later upgraded to include flames coming from the electrical panel inside the garage. MidAmerican Energy was requested to shut off the main electrical feed to the structure.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire near the area of origin. Interior and exterior firefighting operations were completed, with fire damage isolated to the north wall of the garage.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the occupants. No injuries were reported. Fireground operations ended at approximately 6 p.m.

Agencies assisting at the scene included Emerson Fire/Rescue, Red Oak Fire/Rescue, the Hastings Fire Department, Henderson Fire Department, Mills County Communications, the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Communications, MidAmerican Energy and the American Red Cross.