A weekend house fire in Newton has claimed the life of one person.
The Newton Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, August 15, to a reported structure fire near the 300 block of West 11th Street North. Initial reports indicated someone was trapped inside the two-story, single-family residence.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and flames throughout the home. Newton police officers provided firefighters with information about where the occupant was believed to be located, allowing crews to begin a focused search.
Firefighters quickly reached the victim and brought the fire under control within minutes. Despite rescue efforts and attempts to provide life-saving care, the victim died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire.
One firefighter was evaluated at the scene and later released.
The residence suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. Fire crews from Baxter, Colfax and Kellogg assisted the Newton Fire Department, along with the Newton Police Department and Newton Public Works.
Firefighters remained at the scene until approximately 12:40 a.m. Sunday.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Newton Fire Department is working with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office as the investigation continues.
Source: Newton Fire Department press release.
