Flames spread throughout the basement, main floor and attic of the house at 316 Dewitt St. No one was injured in the fire that was reported at about 3:20 p.m.

Firefighters used a chainsaw and hand tools to remove wood panels covering the windows. Three hoselines were used to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Assistant Fire Chief Matt Price said the house has been the scene of “a lot of homeless activity.”

Several off-duty firefighters were called in to assist at the scene and to be available to handle any other emergencies.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Fort Dodge firefighters direct a stream of water through the front door of a burning vacant house at 316 Dewitt St. Monday afternoon.

Firefighters, who worked through afternoon temperatures nearing 90 degrees, were on the scene until about 6 p.m.

The house is owned by Steven L. Johnson, of Fort Dodge, according to online records of the Webster County Assessor’s Office. Those records indicate that it was built in 1891.

-Messeenger photo by Bill Shea
A Fort Dodge firefighter waits for water in the hoseline so he can direct a stream onto flames venting from the attic of a house at 316 Dewitt St. Monday afternoon.