According to the Fort Dodge Fire Department, firefighters were called to a two-story residence at 1510 Fifth Ave. N. just before midnight Monday and saw heavy smoke coming from the attic.

According to Fire Chief Matt Price, firefighters quickly began simultaneous rescue and fire-attack operations, assisting seven residents and six dogs from both the first floor and basement.

Fire crews were on scene for approximately 90 minutes with a second alarm being activated to bring in six off-duty firefighters to assist with overhaul and the ongoing fire investigation.

According to Price, the fire was determined to be accidental, caused by an electrical issue in the attic.

-Submitted photo
Colton Holmes poses next to the fire hydrant on Fifth Avenue North that he cleared the snow away from following the weekend storm. His work proved key to providing firefighters with a water supply during a house fire at 1510 Fifth Ave. N. during the overnight hours of Monday and Tuesday.

Quick access to a nearby fire hydrant was credited to 9-year-old Colton Holmes, who cleared snow away from the hydrant following last weekend’s blizzard. Holmes did so as part of a City of Fort Dodge campaign encouraging residents to clear at least 3 feet of snow from around city hydrants. Holmes will be rewarded with a ride to school in a fire truck next week.

The Fort Dodge Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Fort Dodge Police Department, MidAmerican Energy, and the United Way of Fort Dodge.

The deed holder for the building was identified as Kelley Krause with Nicole Gutierrez as the contract holder.