Fire damages East Summit residence

Firefighters from multiple agencies helped tackle a house fire in Red Oak April 4.

Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce said at around 6:50 p.m., the Red Oak Fire Department was dispatched to 1903 200th St. (E Summit Street) for a reported house fire with flames visible.

Bruce said the first arriving engine reported heavy fire from the north side of the residence with fire extension into the first floor.

“All occupants were verified to have evacuated the residence with no injuries. The three-tier dispatch guideline assigned three fire departments to all working structure fires so the Stanton Fire Department and Elliott Fire Department were dispatched simultaneously as well.  Additional mutual aid was received from Essex Rescue, the Red Oak Police Department, Montgomery County Sherrif’s Office, Montgomery County Communications, MidAmerican Utilities, and the American Red Cross,” Bruce said.

The fire originated from a fire pit located approximately 10 yards to the north of the residence. Wind driven embers ignited the accumulated vegetation along a fence line and started the northwest portion of the first floor on fire. Fire eventually breached the first floor windows and entered the residence from the first floor, on the north side.

“Fire crews had to conduct defensive exterior fire ground operations, then they transitioned to offensive interior fire suppression and search and rescue operations very quickly,” commented Bruce

Bruce said the home suffered extensive fire, smoke and water damage, and the home was currently uninhabitable at this time. The American Red Cross is assisting the family as needed. Thankfully, Bruce said no one was seriously injured.

“There were no injuries to occupants. There was one minor injury to a law enforcement officer that was assisting with hydrant hook-up and deploying fire hose. The officer was treated and released from Montgomery County Memorial Hospital without complication,” stated Bruce.

The property owner is listed as Jane Waltz. The residence was occupied by three adults and one child at the time of the fire. Fire/ground operations were terminated at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Approximately 37 firefighters responded to this event among the total responding agencies.