Firefighters battle Hiawatha blaze Saturday
Numerous firefighters, Saturday evening, battle a blaze just north of Hiawatha's Oregon Street (Credit: Seth Tollefson/MSC News)
(KNZA)--An early Saturday evening large structure fire in Hiawatha sent numerous fire crews, from throughout the local area, rushing to the scene.
The fire was reported shortly after 5:00, just north of Oregon Street on North 9th Street.
The Hiawatha Fire Department, in a social media post, said there was heavy smoke and large flames coming from the structure, located north of the old HD Repair facility, when firefighters arrived.
Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the fire was contained by about 6:15 and firefighters remained on the scene until 10:30.
He said Brown County Emergency Management made the decision to evacuate homes in the area for cautionary reasons due to the level of heavy smoke. Residents were allowed to return by 8:00.
Sheldon said there was about 150 gallons of oil in the building, which was used for heating and mechanical purposes.
The building is owned by J and B Contractors and was being leased by HD Repair for generator repair. The building was considered a total loss.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Sheldon said an investigator from the State Fire Marshal's Office was on scene Monday morning.
Fire crews from Robinson, Horton, Everest, Iowa Tribe, Powhattan, Kickapoo Tribe, Fairview and Morrill assisted.
Sheldon thanked the fire departments for their assistance. In addition, he thanked community members who helped bring water and Gatorade to the firefighters.
He said he was out of town when the call first came in and gave credit to his assistants for taking command during the large structure fire.
" The HFD 1st assistant Ryan Shockley and 2nd assistant Tristan Dickinson done a great job with on scene comand and organization of incoming responding fire departments, " Chief Sheldon said. " It is truly a blessing to live in the community we do. The overwhelming support from area fire departments, businesses and community members are the foundation and support of this area"
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