-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
Fort Dodge firefighter Nick Ruhland puts the first spray of water on a burning back porch at 216 S. 14th St. Tuesday evening. Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter said the fire was reported by a passerby who noticed the flames. The fire was contained to the porch and roof overhang with moderate smoke damage to the interior. The renter at the home, Andrea Phillips, was not home at the time of the fire. An older child in the house, got out without injury. The home is listed by the Webster County Assessors office as owned United Property Group, LLC. There were no injuries. The cause remains under investigation.