-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A Fort Dodge firefighter uses an extinguisher to spray down a smoldering mantelpiece that was removed from a house late Friday night. The mantelpiece was burning when firefighters arrived at 905 Northwood Ave. They quickly extinguished it and removed it from the house. Fire Department Capt. Steve Teske said heat from a fire that had been burning in the fireplace for several hours ignited it. He said the damage was limited to the mantelpiece and a small area by the fireplace. The family was able to stay in the house Friday night, he added. The fire was reported at 11:08 p.m. Fort Dodge police also responded.