Apartment complex fire

Le Mars Fire and Rescue was called to an apartment complex on the east side of town at 11:56 p.m. Sunday, Oct 9. Upon arrival they encountered heavy fire on the south exterior side of the building. The fire was on the second and third floor exterior decks and in the attic and roof of the building. The fire affected six apartments in the 18 unit complex. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire on the exterior before making entry into the building. Firefighters were on scene for around two hours fighting the fire and investigating the fire, which was determined to be accidental and looks to have started on the deck on south side of building.  David Schipper, Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief, says the most probable cause for this fire was improperly discarded smoking materials that ignited nearby combustibles. Three of the six apartments had fire, water and smoke damage and are uninhabitable. These individuals were assisted by family, friends, and/or the American Red Cross with a place to stay. Residents in the remaining units were able to return to their apartments. Damage is estimated at $100,000.

LMFR with the help of Orange City Fire Rescue along with local police department and county officers. Photos by LMFR  and Brian Nitzschke.