A rural Newell family is without a home after an early morning fire Tuesday destroyed much of their house and claimed the lives of a couple of pets.
Newell Fire Chief Bruce Erie says crews were called to 5651 200th Ave., about seven miles north of Newell, just after 6 a.m.
He described what firefighters found on arrival.
A married couple and their two sons lived in the home, along with their dogs and cats. Everyone made it out safely except for the cats, which did not survive.
Firefighters from Storm Lake and Albert City were called in to assist Newell crews. Erie says the mutual‑aid departments brought tanker trucks, pumpers, and personnel to help knock down the flames.
He credited the teamwork on scene.
Erie said it took crews about 45 minutes to an hour to bring the fire under control.
The cause has been identified as accidental. Erie explained what sparked it.
The home itself did not burn to the ground, but Erie says the contents are largely destroyed due to smoke and heat damage. The family has been connected with the Red Cross for assistance.
Erie praised the response from all departments involved.
No other structures were damaged in the blaze.
