Residents, pets rescued from house fire

FORT MADISON - At approximately 7:34 p.m. on Thursday evening, the Fort Madison Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 510 6th Street with heavy smoke showing. While en route, dispatch advised that an occupant was possibly trapped on the second floor, and that smoke was rapidly filling the home.
Fort Madison Police arrived on scene moments before our fire crews and reported that multiple occupants were on the roof of the home, with visible fire in the kitchen area at the rear of the structure.
Upon arrival, Captain Neal Gathers established incident command and immediately called for all off-duty firefighters to respond. Crews quickly deployed a ground ladder and successfully rescued three individuals from the second-story roof. All were evaluated and found to be uninjured.
Firefighters then initiated an aggressive interior fire attack locating the fire and successfully knocking down the fire in the kitchen, preventing further spread throughout the structure.
I arrived on scene shortly after and assumed command of the incident following a face-to-face briefing with Captain Gathers. Gas and electric utilities were secured by the responding companies. As off-duty personnel arrived, our firefighters located and safely rescued three dogs and five cats from inside the home. All animals were unharmed.

The home suffered moderate fire damage to the kitchen and heavy smoke damage throughout, rendering it uninhabitable. The occupants did not have homeowner’s insurance. The American Red Cross was contacted and is currently assisting the displaced residents with emergency shelter and support.
Before clearing the scene, our fire investigation team determined the fire originated in the kitchen near the stove. While the exact cause remains undetermined, investigators believe it most likely began on or around the stove and was unintentional/accidental. It was also discovered that the home lacked working smoke detectors, which significantly delayed early warning for the occupants.
"As Fire Chief, I could not be more proud of the actions taken by our firefighters during this incident. Captain Neal Gathers, Lieutenant Mike Fullenkamp, Engineer Drew Weisinger, and Engineer JD Coakley demonstrated courage, professionalism, and decisive action in a high-pressure environment," said Fire Chief Chad Hannum.
"Their rapid rescue of the three residents, care for the family pets, and aggressive fire suppression efforts undoubtedly prevented a tragic outcome and saved the structure from total loss. Their professionalism and decisive response exemplify the best of the fire service."
Fort Madison Fire & Rescue commends the teamwork and coordination between fire, police, EMS, and dispatch that led to a successful outcome during this incident.
"We would also like to thank the Fort Madison Police Department, Lee County Ambulance, Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy, and LeeComm dispatchers for their support and assistance on this scene."