The Ottumwa Fire Department responded to two significant structure fires over the Thanksgiving weekend, the City of Ottumwa reported.
The first incident occurred late Wednesday night, November 27, at 11:53 p.m., when firefighters were dispatched to a garage fire at 821 Allison Avenue. Upon arrival, they found the detached garage fully engulfed in flames. \
A second alarm was raised, summoning additional firefighters, including the Interim Fire Chief and Interim Deputy Chief. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The second fire took place on Saturday afternoon, November 30, at 3:49 p.m., at a one-and-a-half-story home on 738 Camille Street. When firefighters arrived, flames were visible from the front and side of the house.
The occupants had safely evacuated, but two dogs remained inside. One dog managed to escape, but the other did not survive. One resident sustained minor burns to their hand and foot and was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment.
Utility companies Alliant and MidAmerican Energy were called to disconnect services to the affected home. This fire is also under investigation.
The Ottumwa Fire Department is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding both incidents.