At 9:30 a.m. Jan. 7, Guthrie County dispatched a simultaneous page for Menlo Fire, Stuart Fire and Stuart Rescue for a possible house fire in the 400 block of 3rd St. in Menlo.
Several minutes later Menlo Fire arrived at the scene and confirmed smoke coming from the residence and an active house fire. As a firefighter did his walkaround assessment of the home and situation, neighbors informed him there may be someone inside the home. The firefighter banged on windows and the side of the house to see if he could stir anyone or hear anything.
Minutes later, at 9:35 a.m. Stuart Fire Department arrived on scene to heavy smoke coming from the home’s eaves and flames bursting out the peak of the west gable wall above the attached garage. Stuart Fire quickly initiated an interior attack with a search team.
Within minutes they located a 73-year-old woman at an end of a hallway approximately 16 feet from an exit. At 9:44 a.m. medical crews requested an Air Ambulance but a short time later, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The fire appeared to have been burning for a while prior to the 911 call, as there was a portion of the floor burned through and furniture falling into the basement. The fire is believed to have started in the living room area at the northwest corner of the home where extensive fire damage was found.
“Menlo and Stuart Fire crews did an amazing job and quickly responded to this fire, unfortunately, a life was lost today and that always weighs heavy on our first responders. They not only battled the flames and cold, but also their emotions as most people in small communities as Menlo know everyone and have a connection with each other.” Adair-Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeremy Cooper said.
The State Fire Marshals Office continues to investigate to determine the cause of the fire. The victim was transported to the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny to determine a cause of death.
Agencies assisting at the scene included Menlo Fire, Stuart Fire, Stuart Rescue, Dexter Fire, Casey Fire, Guthrie County Sheriff, Stuart Police and Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management.