The blaze was reported at 8:17 a.m. at 1317 S. 22nd St. According to a press release from Fire Chief Steve Hergenreter, the owner of the home, Rick Armour, was asleep when he heard the noise of breaking glass. He had smelled smoke and discovered the fire in the home’s attached garage.

Armour and his dog were able to escape safely and call for help.

According to the release, fire crews found heavy fire in the attached garage and shop area on the back side of the house.

“An aggressive interior fire attack was made by crews, containing the fire from spreading further into the living areas of the house,” the release said.

-Submitted photo
Fort Dodge Fire Rescue crews take a moment to rest while battling a house fire at 1317 S. 22nd St. on Monday morning.

Due to the size of the fire and the extreme heat and humidity conditions, additional firefighters and emergency medical services staff were called in to assist in controlling the fire.

There were several welding gas cylinders and other pieces of equipment in the shop that contributed to the fire and created additional hazards for the firefighters as they continued to work to extinguish the blaze.

Crews were on scene until 11:45 a.m.

The house suffered heavy fire, heat and smoke damage. The American Red Cross will be assisting Armour, according to Hergenreter’s press release.

The Fort Dodge Police Department and MidAmerican Energy assisted on scene.