A man died as a result of a garage fire in Early.
According to the Sac County Sheriff’s Office, fire responders were called to 110 Cross Street shortly before 7:30 Thursday morning after receiving reports of smoke coming from a house on the property. Upon arrival, a Sac County deputy discovered flames coming from the home.
66-year-old Terry Busse was reportedly living in the detached garage a few feet away from the residence. The deputy attempted to make contact with Busse, but he did not respond. The deputy believed Busse was inside the garage, and forced open the door. Busse was inside the garage. The deputy informed Busse of the fire, but Busse refused the leave, and pulled a handgun. The deputy back away and called for assistance as the fire spread to the garage, and it quickly become engulged with Busse still inside.
No shots were fired in the incident. The house on the property is condemned, and scheduled to be demolished.
The fire was extinguished by the Early Fire Department, with assistance by the Sac City Fire Department. Several other agencies responded to the scene, including the Lake View Police Department and Sac County Ambulance. The incident is being investigated by the Iowa State Fire Marshal and the State Medical Examiner.
